South Korea military officials have confirmed that North Korea fired three ballistic missiles from the areas around Hwanju County into the Sea of Japan. Following the news, world leaders from China, Japan, the United Nations (UN), and the US have condemned the move.

China, the UN, the U.S. and Japan have condemned North Korea's decision to launch three ballistic missiles at South Korea

Like Us on Facebook

The military officials identified the missiles as the medium-range Rodong. They were reportedly fired at 0300hrs (GMT) and flew at 1000km (600miles) hitting Japan's air defense identification zone.

"We are still analyzing details, but this is a grave threat to our nation's security, and we express deep concern," said Japan's Defense Minister Tomomi Inada.

North Korea's actions goes against the UN Security Council Resolutions that ban all ballistic-related activities in Japan.

It comes after Pyongyang test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile two weeks ago. North Korea argued that the ban was inhibiting the country from pursuing its space and self-defense program.

Pyongyang's ballistic missile test comes at a time when China is hosting the G20 Summit.  

South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe diverted their attention from the G20 Summit after the incident, according to a statement from the Japanese government.

Tokyo and Seoul agreed to work together to keep a close eye on the incident.

US officials present at the G20 summit described North Korea's missile launch as "reckless," adding that it posed a great threat to civil aviation and maritime commerce in the region.

The incident comes just days before North Korea celebrates her 68 anniversary as a nation, and after South Korea and US troops ended their annual joint military drills.

TagsG20, Japan, china, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Park Geun Hye