TOKYO, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso said on Thursday the latest test-firings of missiles by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) as a "provocative act."

    "We have often warned that such a provocative act is not beneficial for North Korea's national interest," Aso was quoted by Kyodo News as saying, adding it is difficult to understand what kind of message Pyongyang wants to send with its latest missile launches.

    Media reports said DPRK test-fired what appears to be short-range missiles off its east coast on Thursday. Aso declined to comment on any details about the test-firings, citing intelligence reasons.

    Hours earlier, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura indicated that Tokyo is bracing for a longer-range ballistic missile launch by Pyongyang, possibly on the U.S. Independence Dayon Saturday.