?As we have continued to point out, North Korea?s missile programme and activities are a threat not only to the region, but the international community at large?, US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said, following reports that Pyongyang test-fired two short-range missiles.

Japan?s Kyodo news agency reported that North Korea fired two missiles Tuesday near the Chinese border, but said there were differing views on why the rockets were launched. A Western military source said North Korea was conducting a test, while a Chinese source said the firing during military exercises was accidental, Kyodo reported.

Six-party talks aimed at persuading North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons programme remain stalled. McCormack again called on North Korea to return to the negotiations that include China, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the United States.

US intelligence believes North Korea has a long-range missile capability that could reach the United States. That concern is heightened by Pyongyang?s claim that it already has a nuclear weapon.