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The reclusive communist country fired a short-range ballistic missile towards Japan from the eastern region of Wonsan overnight. The launch of the Scud missile at 7.30am local time is the country’s ninth missile test this year and follows a series of test-launches in recent weeks. Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov said: "We are at the same time calling on the partners with whom we are working to show restraint, including towards military activity in this region.”

EPA/AFP Russia has condemned the latest missile test by North Korea

Japan has already condemned the missile launch which flew about 280 miles (450 km) before landing in the Japanese exclusive economic zone, within the Sea of Japan. Yoshihide Suga, Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, said: “This ballistic missile launch by North Korea is highly problematic from the perspective of the safety of shipping and air traffic and is a clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. "Japan absolutely cannot tolerate North Korea's repeated provocative actions. We have strongly protested to North Korea and condemn its actions in the strongest terms.

Revealed: Kim Jong-un's nuclear cronies Fri, May 26, 2017 After North Korea's recent series of ballistic missile test, dictator Kim Jong-un is often photographed with the same three men Play slideshow REUTERS 1 of 7 Kim Jong-un reacts during the long-range Hwasong-12 (Mars-12) strategic ballistic rocket test launch with Ri Pyong Chol (2nd L), Kim Jong Sik (C) and Jang Chang Ha (2nd R)

We are at the same time calling on the partners with whom we are working to show restraint, including towards military activity in this region Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov

“No damage to planes or ships has been detected.” The move by North Korea would seemingly further alienate some of its closest allies who now appear to be increasingly distancing themselves from Kim Jong-un’s dictatorial regime. After a round of diplomatic meetings China, North Korea’s closest ally, has distanced itself from its ties after a high profile meeting with the US President Donald Trump and most recently with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

EPA Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid a two-day visit to Russia and held talks with Mr Putin and his counterpart Sergey Lavrov. Mr Wang said in a press conference: “Regarding [the] Korean Peninsula, China advocates resolving the issue through peaceful means including dialogue and negotiations, on the basis of strict implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions… Military means can never solve the problem and will only bring greater problems and a serious consequence. “Whether in the past or in the future, the military means should never be an option for any country. China and Russia have reached a high degree of consensus on this issue.”

AFP Images of the missile firing issued by Korean Central News Agency

AFP North Korean leader Kim Jong-un watches the test firing of the rocket