North Korea launches about 10 ballistic missiles toward East China Sea

North Korea launched around 10 ballistic missiles toward the East China Sea on Saturday, March 14, according to Yonhap News Agency, citing the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea.

South Korea’s military said the launches were detected from the Sunan area at around 13:20 local time. The launches mark the third missile test carried out by North Korea since the beginning of 2026.

The missile launches coincided with the annual joint military exercises Freedom Shield conducted by South Korea and the United States, drills that Pyongyang has repeatedly criticised.

In its statement, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said the armed forces are maintaining a high level of readiness and are closely sharing information with the United States and Japan.

Earlier this week, North Korea tested strategic cruise missiles launched from the destroyer Choe Hyon. At the same time, Kim Yo-jong warned that the ongoing allied military exercises could lead to serious consequences.

Earlier reports about a missile launch from North Korean territory were also issued by the office of Sanae Takaichi.

By Tamilla Hasanova