SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the sea on Sunday, South Korea's military said.

The South Korean military said North Korea's missile launch from its east coast took place in the morning, but did not provide further details.

Japan's Defense Ministry also reported the alleged missile launch by North Korea. There were no reports of damage at the moment.

Experts say North Korea is likely stepping up weapons tests to show off its achievements in the defense sector ahead of the upcoming Workers' Party congress, the first of its kind in five years. Observers are watching Congress to see whether North Korea will establish a new policy toward the United States and respond to its calls to resume negotiations.

The launch also came hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung left for China for a summit with President Xi Jinping. During the trip, Lee's office said he would ask China to play “a constructive role” in efforts to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.

A few days ago, North Korea said it fired long-range strategic cruise missiles into the sea.

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This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool.