North Korea conducted another test of a ballistic missile from its East coast Wednesday, said the South Korean authorities.

The launch took place at 5:30 a.m. local time, according to a statement from the Ministry of foreign Affairs of South Korea. The launch took place in the waters of South Hamgyong province early this morning, said the chief of staff of South Korea's joint Committee.

"If the North Korean regime continues to pursue its nuclear and missile capabilities and to ignore the serious economic difficulties of its people, it will lead to tougher sanctions and diplomatic isolation. You should also understand that it will accelerate its self-destruction," the country's foreign Ministry said.

"Our government is ready to protect our people and the security of our country and will fully respond to the provocations of North Korea." US Pacific command has tracked a missile in the sea of Japan, also known as the East China sea, approximately 300 miles off the coast of North Korea. For the first time a North Korean missile entered the zone of identification of air defense of Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

"This is a threat to the security of Japan and inexcusable reckless act that causes significant damage to peace and stability in the region," said Abe, on Wednesday morning. The launch comes amid the annual joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea, which started on Monday.

A senior official of the U.S. state Department told CNN that the United States tries to determine whether the launch is successful. The rocket presumably KN-11, said the Navy commander. Dave Benham, the representative of the Pacific command of the US armed forces.

Earlier this month, North Korea fired two ballistic missiles, medium-range, including one in the sea of Japan.
sections: Politics, World News, Accidents