Seoul: North Korea fired multiple close-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs) toward the Yellow Sea on Tuesday, South Korea's military reported, amidst growing speculation regarding a potential visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping to North Korea.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) detected the missile launches from the Jongju area of North Phyongan Province around 1 p.m. The CRBMs, characterized by their relatively short range of less than 300 kilometers, were fired amidst heightened military vigilance from neighboring countries.

"We have stepped up surveillance and monitoring in preparation for possible additional launches and are closely sharing related information with the United States and Japan while maintaining a full readiness posture," the JCS commented, emphasizing the joint efforts to address regional security concerns.

This missile launch unfolds against the backdrop of rumors suggesting that Xi Jinping may visit North Korea either later this month or early next month, following his recent summit talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing. North Korea's last missile activity was recorded on April 19, when it launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea. State media later reported that the launch tested cluster bombs.

In addition, North Korea previously test-fired strategic cruise and anti-warship missiles from the Choe Hyon destroyer above the Yellow Sea on April 12, an event personally overseen by leader Kim Jong-un.