This file photo, released by Korean Central News Agency Oct. 23, shows a hypersonic projectile launched by North Korea in flight the previous day. Yonhap North Korea fired multiple close-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs) and artillery rockets toward the West Sea on Tuesday, South Korea's military said, amid speculation that Chinese President Xi Jinping may visit North Korea soon.The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected the missiles launched from the Jongju area of North Phyongan Province at around 1 p.m., without elaborating on the details.CRBMs refer to ballistic missiles that have a relatively short range of less than 300 kilometers.The missiles flew some 80 kilometers before landing at sea, the JCS said, noting it is analyzing the exact specifications of the launch with the U.S. side.The JCS said North Korea fired various types of projectiles, including CRBMs and shells from multiple rocket launchers in what appeared to be a rare launch of a mix of such weapons. The launch is also believed to have involved "suicide drones.""We have stepped up surveillance and monitoring in preparation for possible additional launches and are closely sharing related information with the United States and Japan while maintaining a full readiness posture," the JCS said.The North's missile launch came amid speculation that Xi will likely visit North Korea late this month or early next month. Xi held summit talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing earlier this month.The latest launch marked the eighth ballistic missile firing by North Korea so far this year.The North last fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on April 19. Its state media later said it conducted a surface-to-surface ballistic missile launch that involved the testing of cluster bombs.It test-fired strategic cruise and anti-warship missiles from the Choe Hyon destroyer above the West Sea on April 12, which was overseen by leader Kim Jong-un.