North Korea fired a ballistic missile towards the sea off the Korean Peninsulaâs east coast on Wednesday, South Korean and Japanese authorities said, marking Pyongyangâs second reported ballistic missile launch in less than a week and coming days before major US-South Korea military exercises.

South Koreaâs Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missile was launched from the Wonsan area on the Northâs eastern coast at around 6 am (local time) and travelled more than 700 km (435 miles).

Japanâs defence ministry also detected the launch and said the missile landed in waters outside Japanâs exclusive economic zone (EEZ), between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

Japan said the missile reached a maximum altitude of about 90 km (56 miles.

The latest launch came two days after South Korea and the United States announced that their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises would begin on August 17.

The drills are scheduled to run until August 27 and are aimed at strengthening readiness against North Koreaâs nuclear and missile threats.

North Korea has repeatedly condemned the exercises, describing them as rehearsals for an invasion. The United States and South Korea have maintained that their military training is defensive.

Seoul, Tokyo condemn launch

South Koreaâs National Security Council held an emergency meeting following the launch and described North Koreaâs continued ballistic missile tests as acts of provocation. It urged Pyongyang to stop activities that violate UN Security Council resolutions.

South Koreaâs military said it remained prepared to respond to any provocation under its combined defence posture with the United States.

According to Reuters, the military said it would respond âoverwhelminglyâ if necessary.

Japan also lodged a protest with North Korea through diplomatic channels.

âItâs a serious problem that affects the safety of the Japanese people,â Japanese defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi told reporters.

Japanâs defence ministry said the missile landed outside its EEZ. Koizumi said Tokyo had âstrongly condemnedâ the launch.

There was no immediate statement from Pyongyang on Wednesdayâs launch.

Second reported launch since August 6

The launch follows another reported ballistic missile test on August 6, when South Korea, the United States and Japan detected a short-range ballistic missile launched by North Korea.

That was the Northâs first reported ballistic weapons test since late June. North Korea did not immediately confirm that launch, although Pyongyang often releases details of weapons tests a day after they take place.

The latest launches come amid a broader continuation of North Koreaâs weapons-testing programme. The country has conducted tests involving short-range ballistic missiles, artillery rockets and other tactical weapons this year.

Experts cited by news agency AP said North Korea has often used US-South Korean military exercises as a pretext to increase its own weapons testing.

Pyongyang continues to expand missile arsenal

UN Security Council resolutions prohibit North Korea from conducting ballistic missile launches.

However, Pyongyang has continued developing its missile and nuclear capabilities, particularly since diplomatic efforts between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and then-US President Donald Trump broke down in 2019.

North Korea has since expanded its weapons arsenal and testing programme. Experts say Kim may seek to use the expanded capabilities to strengthen his negotiating position with Washington, including in any future discussions over sanctions.

The latest test also comes as North Korea continues to strengthen its ties with Russia and China.

North Korea has supplied troops and ammunition to support Russiaâs war in Ukraine, while relations with China have also received renewed attention.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Pyongyang in June, his first visit to the North Korean capital in seven years.