North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles into the sea on Sunday, just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China for high-level talks expected to address Pyongyang’s nuclear program. According to AP, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said several missiles were fired from the North’s capital region around 7:50 am, flying about 900 kilometers. South Korea and the United States are analyzing the launches and coordinating closely with Japan.

Japan’s defense minister confirmed at least two launches, calling them a serious threat to regional and global security. The tests are the latest in a series of weapons demonstrations ahead of North Korea’s anticipated ruling party congress, where new policies toward the US may be announced. The launches also added urgency to Lee’s China visit, during which he plans to urge Beijing to play a constructive role in easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea later convened an emergency security meeting, condemning the launches as violations of UN resolutions.