North Korea test-fired a fourth short-range missile today, further stoking tension in the region that was already high due to Pyongyang's nuclear test and threats to boost its nuclear arsenal in response to UN sanctions.
Earlier the South's defence ministry said the North had fired three short-range missiles from its east coast between 5.20pm (0820 GMT) and around 7.50pm (1050 GMT).
The surface-to-ship missiles were fired from its east coast and flew about 100km before splashing into the sea, a South Korean defence official said.
A third short-range missile was fired around two hours later, the defence ministry said, and South Korea's Yonhap news agency, citing officials in Seoul, later said a fourth had been fired.
A South Korean daily said that the secretive North may also test fire mid-range missiles in a matter of days.
Washington said this week it had tightened its crackdown on firms linked to the North's lucrative proliferation of missiles, a major source of cash for the destitute state, and has sent the US point man for sanctions to Asia for discussions.
Enforcement of the sanctions, aimed at halting its trade in arms, would depend heavily on China, the North's biggest benefactor and trade partner, analysts said.
China said today it was sending its envoy to the six-party talks to South Korea, Japan, Russia and the United States. North Korea, the sixth party, was not on the itinerary.
"China has consistently advocated dialogue and consultation, and achieving denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula through the six-party talks process," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a news briefing.
Reuters