Pyongyang test-fires short-range projectiles

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea fired at least three projectiles off its east coast on Monday, according to the Republic of Korea's Defense Ministry, as China called for flexibility in dealing with the launch.

ROK's Defense Ministry said it detected several types of short-range projectiles fired from Sondok on DPRK's east coast into the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. The projectiles had a maximum flight distance of 200 kilometers and altitude of 50 km, the ministry said.

"Currently, our military is monitoring related movement in case of an additional launch, while maintaining thorough preparedness," the ministry said in a statement.

After the launch, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe instructed his staff to gather and analyze information to ensure safety. "The latest launch threatens the peace and security of Japan and Pyongyang's series of missile launches pose a serious challenge to the entire international community including us," Abe said during an Upper House meeting on Monday, adding that Japan should take thorough measures to ensure the safety of aircraft and vessels, and be fully prepared for the unexpected things.

China called for all related parties to demonstrate flexibility in handling the issue.

"Under the current circumstances, China calls on relevant parties to demonstrate flexibility to each other, remain committed to resolving differences through dialogue, and work for denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and lasting peace on the Peninsula and in the region," said Geng Shuang, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman, on Monday.

Li Chengri, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences told China Daily that the tests of projectiles by the DPRK this month were part of a military capability test that Pyongyang is scheduled to carry out at the beginning of each year.

"The DPRK conducted several similar launches last year as relations between Pyongyang and Washington began to falter, but the country's recent launches have showcased that it has avoided testing long-range missiles. This suggests that the aim of these tests is not to hit actual targets, but rather to deter its opponent in order to have a bargaining chip," Li said.

Li also said that by test-firing weapons Pyongyang hoped to draw attention to itself as its diplomatic efforts with Washington have faltered.

"It may want to set the stage for future denuclearization talks, but in the current situation it seems that future negotiations between the DPRK and the US will be stuck for some time since neither side has a pragmatic road map for real denuclearization."

Mo Jingxi and Yonhap News Agency contributed to this story.