BEIJING, Feb. 28 -- China on Friday called on all parties to ease tensions in the Korean Peninsula after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) reportedly fired four short-range missiles on Thursday.

"We have noted the report," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang Friday at a daily press briefing in response to reports on the DPRK's missile launch.

The missiles were launched toward the northeastern waters from Gitaeryeong area on the DPRK's southeastern coast on Thursday, according to the Defense Ministry of the Republic of Korea (ROK).

"We hope that all relevant parties will commit to easing the tensions in the Korean Peninsula so as to work together to safeguard the peace and stability of the region," said Qin.

The ROK Defense Ministry said the projectiles were estimated to be scud missiles with a range of more than 200 km. It was the first time since July 2009 that the DPRK has fired short-range missiles.

The DPRK's move came after the ROK and the United States began their annual joint war games as scheduled, despite Pyongyang's demand for a delay or cancellation of the drills.