South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles were launched from an area near the capital Pyongyang toward waters off the country’s east coast. The launches occurred during large-scale allied military drills aimed at strengthening defense readiness against potential threats from the North.

Japan’s coast guard also detected what it said could be a ballistic missile that later fell into the sea. Public broadcaster NHK, citing Japanese military officials, reported the projectile appeared to land outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

The missile activity came as U.S. and South Korean troops conducted major annual exercises across South Korea this week. Officials from both allies say the drills are defensive in nature and designed to test military preparedness in the event of a conflict with North Korea.

On Saturday, hundreds of American and South Korean troops carried out river-crossing exercises involving tanks and armored combat vehicles. The drills were overseen by the commander of their combined forces.

The United States maintains about 28,500 troops in South Korea along with squadrons of fighter jets as part of its longstanding security commitment to the country

North Korea has routinely condemned such military exercises, describing them as rehearsals for an invasion. The country has repeatedly responded to the drills with weapons tests or military demonstrations.

For more than two decades, Pyongyang has tested a wide range of ballistic and cruise missiles as part of its effort to develop systems capable of delivering nuclear weapons.

It is widely believed to have successfully built nuclear devices.The missile and nuclear programs have prompted multiple rounds of sanctions by the United Nations Security Council since 2006, targeting the country’s trade, economy and defense sectors.

The launches came days after South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met Trump in Washington to discuss ways to revive dialogue with North Korea.

Kim told reporters that Trump remains eager to hold talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un if an opportunity arises.

The latest missile launches underscore continuing tensions on the Korean Peninsula even as diplomatic channels remain under discussion.

Wang called on both sides to remain calm, exercise restraint and hold face-to-face talks as soon as possible, while seeking an immediate ceasefire and addressing differences through consultation, according to the statement.

China’s remarks came as hostilities intensified between Pakistan and Afghanistan following an airstrike that hit a fuel depot belonging to private carrier Kam Air near Kandahar International Airport in southern Afghanistan on Friday, an attack that has deepened the neighbours’ most serious confrontation in years.

According to the Chinese foreign ministry, Wang warned that any further use of force would complicate the situation and intensify tensions between the two countries.

Beijing has repeatedly positioned itself as a mediator in regional disputes and maintains diplomatic engagement with both Islamabad and Kabul. The ministry said China supports direct dialogue between the two sides as the primary avenue to de-escalate the crisis.

During the call, Wang and Muttaqi also exchanged views on the situation in Iran, the statement said.

Wang said China was willing to work with the international community, including Afghanistan, to contribute to peace in Iran, according to the ministry.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting in Seoul, Lee acknowledged domestic debate over the reported transfer of U.S. military equipment from South Korea, including artillery batteries and air-defence systems.

“It appears that there is controversy recently over U.S. Forces in Korea shipping some weapons, such as artillery batteries and air-defence weapons, out of the country,” Lee said, adding that while South Korea had expressed opposition, it was not in a position to make demands regarding U.S. operational decisions.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said last week that the U.S. and South Korean militaries were discussing the possible redeployment of some Patriot missile system batteries stationed in South Korea for use in the conflict in the Middle East.

Local media reported that some of the systems were shipped from Osan Air Base and could be redeployed to U.S. military installations in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, though South Korean authorities have not confirmed the reports.

Lee said the reported removal of certain U.S. weapons would not undermine South Korea’s deterrence posture toward North Korea.

He noted that South Korea’s defence spending and conventional military capabilities exceed those of North Korea, suggesting that the country remains capable of maintaining security despite potential adjustments to U.S. deployments.

The discussions come as U.S. and Israeli forces continue strikes on strategic targets inside Iran as part of a military campaign that U.S. President Donald Trump has said is intended to cripple Iran’s nuclear weapons programme and ballistic missile capabilities.

The announcement was made during the opening session of the country’s annual parliamentary gathering at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.Military modernisation driveThe spending increase reflects Beijing’s ongoing programme to strengthen military capabilities, including advanced technology development and expanded defence infrastructure.Officials say the investment is part of long-term plans to build a modernised military structure capable of meeting evolving security challenges.Strategic contextChina’s defence spending has steadily risen over the past decade as geopolitical tensions grow in several regions.The budget increase highlights Beijing’s focus on strengthening its armed forces while maintaining economic development and technological advancement.