North Korea has fired several ballistic missiles in an ‘act of provocation’ on American Independence Day.

The communist state defied a United Nations ban to fire at least seven scud-type missiles into the Sea of Japan this morning.

Reports from South Korea claim the ballistic missiles have a range of about 500km.

Today’s test-firing, which coincides with America’s Independence Day celebrations, is likely to heighten tensions between North Korea, its neighbours and the west.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Russia and China had agreed that all sides should refrain from any steps that could further destabilise the region and the two countries have called for a return to six-party talks

Reports from the South Korean news agency Yonhap claim military officials believe the launch was intended as a defiant message to Washington.

A similar display of fire power was held around July 4 in 2006.

A statement from South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said: “It is a provocative act that clearly violates U.N. Security Council resolutions.”

The Japanese government has also condemned the tests.

The UN Security Council have barred North Korea from firing ballistics and last month passed a resolution allowing interception and inspection of all shipments into and out of the country, which are suspected of carrying weapons technology.

On May 25 of this year the communist state sparked international concern when it tested a nuclear bomb on their soil.

Since then they have launched a number of missile tests, including on Thursday of this week.

According to a U.S. military communication the country had issued a warning to mariners to avoid an area in the Sea of Japan at certain times between June 24 and July 9 because of a "military firing exercise".

North Korea is thought to have an arsenal of more than 600 Scud-type missiles, including the Hwasong-5, with a range of about 300 km and the Hwasong-6, with a range of about 500 km.

The first two missiles were fired today about 8 a.m and 8:30 a.m, followed by several more throughout the morning.

Peter Beck, an expert on Korean affairs at the Washington’s American University, said of today’s tests: “If the North Koreans are trying to get our attention, it is difficult to see what they are actually trying to accomplish.”

Analysts said the moves may be aimed at securing internal support for leader Kim Jong-il, 67, who is thought to have suffered a stroke a year ago, as he prepares to hand over power to his youngest son.

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