Russia, China and the US have all called for calm after North Korea said it test-fired seven missiles off its eastern coast, further raising tensions in the region. It was the largest barrage of ballistic missiles launched by Pyongyang since 2006.

China and Russia called for a return to six-party talks, while the US urged the North not to "aggravate tensions." South Korea and Japan meanwhile have condemned the tests as “a serious act of provocation” and a "threat to regional security."

South Korea's Defense Ministry confirmed that North Korea had fired seventh missiles over a period of just more than eight hours.

"It is a provocative act that clearly violates UN Security Council resolutions," a statement from the ministry said.

Japan said the missiles were a "serious act of provocation against the security of neighboring countries."

It's believed the missiles were 'Scud-type', which are included in the list of ballistic missiles the UN has banned North Korea from using. North Korea is thought to have more than 600 Scud-type missiles.

Saturday's launches come after North Korea fired four short-range, non-ballistic missiles on Thursday.

Tensions between North Korea and its neighbors increased recently after the North carried out a nuclear test.

Observers believe the test-firings were timed to coincide with Independence Day celebrations in the US. Pyongyang is banned from testing ballistic missiles under UN resolutions.

ca/dpa/AP/AFP/Reuters
Editor: Kateri Jochum