SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea intensified its military posturing by launching multiple ballistic missiles into the sea on Sunday, just hours before South Korea’s president is set to travel to China for discussions likely focused on the North’s nuclear ambitions.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported detecting missile launches from the vicinity of North Korea’s capital around 7:50 a.m. The missiles traveled approximately 900 kilometers (560 miles). Both South Korean and U.S. military authorities are currently analyzing the launch details.

In its statement, the Joint Chiefs emphasized South Korea’s readiness to counter any provocations from the North. The military maintained close coordination with the United States and Japan regarding North Korea’s activities.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed at least two missile launches, describing them as significant threats to the peace and security of Japan, the region, and beyond. This latest demonstration of military capability continues a trend of weapons tests by North Korea over recent weeks.

Experts suggest that these launches may be part of North Korea’s strategy to showcase its defense capabilities ahead of a critical ruling party congress anticipated for early next year. Observers are keen to see if North Korea will establish new policies concerning the United States and respond to calls for the resumption of stalled negotiations.

The upcoming congress has sparked speculation about the direction of North Korea’s nuclear strategy, particularly following the collapse of talks between Kim Jong Un and then-President Donald Trump in 2019. Since those failed discussions, Kim has looked to bolster his international standing, notably by strengthening ties with Russia and China amid their respective global conflicts.

The missile launches coincided with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s scheduled departure for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This four-day trip aims to engage China, North Korea’s key ally and largest trading partner, hoping to encourage a more constructive role in fostering peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Despite South Korea and the United States urging China to leverage its influence over North Korea, there are questions about the effectiveness of China’s role as a mediator. China, along with Russia, has often blocked attempts to enforce stricter sanctions against North Korea, complicating international efforts to address the situation.

In reaction to the missile launches, South Korea convened an emergency national security council meeting, urging North Korea to cease its missile tests, which violate U.N. Security Council resolutions. Officials relayed the launch specifics to President Lee, along with potential responses.

These missile tests follow a significant U.S. military operation that recently led to the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, a move that has stirred discussions about the implications for North Korea’s nuclear strategy. Analysts suggest that Kim Jong Un may feel validated in his pursuit of a nuclear deterrent, particularly in light of how swiftly a foreign leader can be removed from power under current global pressures.

North Korea’s state media announced that Kim recently visited a weapons facility to review the production of precision-guided munitions, directing officials to significantly increase output. This reinforces the nation’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities, highlighted by previous missile tests and advancements in naval technology.

As tensions fluctuate on the Korean Peninsula, the international community remains watchful of North Korea’s movements, particularly in light of its evolving nuclear strategy and ongoing diplomatic maneuvers with China and Russia.