North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles ahead of a state visit by the Chinese President Xi Jinping to South Korea, reports Reuters.
North Korea said it was "part of its routine military exercise". The firing of such missiles by isolated countries as weapons testing is banned by the UN.
The foreign minister of Japan, which is due to hold talks with North Korea this week regarding the kidnapping of Japanese citizens many decades ago, said "We think this issue needs to be addressed properly at the government talks."
"We must make a firm demand toward North Korea that they follow the U.N. Security council resolution and other agreements," he added.
North Korea said it was "part of its routine military exercise". The firing of such missiles by isolated countries as weapons testing is banned by the UN.
The foreign minister of Japan, which is due to hold talks with North Korea this week regarding the kidnapping of Japanese citizens many decades ago, said "We think this issue needs to be addressed properly at the government talks."
"We must make a firm demand toward North Korea that they follow the U.N. Security council resolution and other agreements," he added.