North Korea fired six short-range projectiles into the sea Thursday in a show of defiance just hours after the United Nations adopted the toughest sanctions to date on Pyongyang over its fourth nuclear test and rocket launch.
Limited displays of military firepower have become a routine response by North Korea to international pressure over anything from its nuclear weapons program to its human rights record.
South Korea’s defence ministry said the six projectiles — either rockets or guided missiles — fell into the sea around 100-150 kilometres (60-90 miles) off the North’s eastern coast.
China’s foreign ministry responded by urging all parties to refrain from any actions that might see tensions escalate still further.
