The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has fired an unidentified projectile toward the East Sea, Yonhap News Agency reported Thursday, citing the Republic of Korea's (ROK) military.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff of the ROK made the announcement in a short statement without mentioning further details.

The DPRK said it conducted four missile tests in January – a hypersonic missile each on January 5 and 11, two railway-borne short-range ballistic missiles on January 14, and two tactical guided missiles on January 17. 

The ROK military previously said the DPRK also launched two unidentified missiles, believed to be cruise missiles, into the East Sea on Tuesday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian Thursday said China noted relevant reports, adding details are subject to further information.

"We hope all relevant parties can bear in mind the big picture of peace and stability of the Peninsula, speak and act prudently, adhere to the right direction of dialogue and consultation, and work together to promote the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue," Zhao said at a regular press conference.