Donald Trump says North Korea has shown 'great disrespect' for China after ballistic missile test

Scud-type missile lands in the waters of Japan's economic zone

Donald Trump has alternated between bellicosity and flattery in his public statements, but his administration is still working to solidify a policy to deal with North Korea's nuclear ambitions (REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)

Donald Trump said North Korea has shown 'great disrespect' for China after its latest ballistic missile test.

"North Korea has shown great disrespect for their neighbour, China, by shooting off yet another ballistic missile," the President tweeted.

He added: "But China is trying hard!"

North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile towards Japan, which reached an altitude of 75 miles and flew for almost 300 miles.

The Scud-type missile landed in the waters of Japan's economic zone, but Japan's chief cabinet secretary said there was no immediate report of damage to vessels or ships in the area.

The US Pacific Command said it had detected and tracked the short-range missile for six minutes, determining that it did not pose a threat to the US.

It was the latest in a string of launches as the North seeks to build nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that can reach the US mainland.

The North has a strong arsenal of short- and medium-range missiles that target Japan and South Korea and US forces in the region, and it is working to perfect its longer-range missiles.

It recently ordered mass production of a new ballistic missile capable of striking Japan and major US military bases.

Mr Trump has alternated in his public statements between bellicosity and flattery, but his administration is still working to solidify a policy to deal with North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

A new liberal president in Seoul, Moon Jae-in, has signalled he will be flexible in expanding civilian exchange with the North.

But many analysts say Mr Moon will probably not push for any major rapprochement projects because North Korea has gone too far on its nuclear programme.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who had just returned from a G7 meeting in Italy, told reporters: "North Korea's provocation by ignoring repeated warning from the international society is absolutely unacceptable."

He said Japan will "take concrete steps with the US in order to deter North Korea," although he did not elaborate on specific actions.

"We will also co-operate with South Korea and other members of the international society and maintain high levels of caution in order to do utmost for the protection of our people's safety."

Besides its regular ballistic missile test-launches, the North carried out two nuclear tests last year, in January and September.

Outside analysts believe North Korea may be able to arm some of its shorter-range missiles with nuclear warheads, though the exact state of the North's secretive weapons program is unknown.

Additional reporting by agencies