SHANGHAI (Reuters) – China conducted a ground-based missile interception test that “achieved the expected goal,” the defense ministry said, describing it as defensive and not aimed at any country.
China is stepping up research on all types of missiles, from those capable of destroying satellites in space to advanced nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles, as part of an ambitious modernization scheme overseen by President Xi Jinping.
Beijing has tested missile interceptors before; the last previous public test announcement was in February 2021, and before that in 2018. State media said that China has been testing missile defense systems since at least 2010.
The ministry said in a brief statement late Sunday that a test for “ground-based anti-missile interception technology” was carried out tonight.
“The test achieved the expected goals,” the ministry said. “This test was defensive and not aimed at any country.
He did not provide other details.
China, along with its ally Russia, has repeatedly opposed US deployment of a high-altitude missile defense system (THAAD) in South Korea.
China claims that powerful equipment radar could penetrate its territory. China and Russia have also conducted simulated anti-missile exercises.
China has given little detail about its own missile programs, except for occasional brief statements by the Ministry of Defense or in state media.
In 2016, the Ministry of Defense confirmed that it was continuing tests of an anti-missile system after photos appeared on state television.
Beijing says such technology is necessary for national defense and security.
(Report from the Shanghai editorial office; Written by Ben Blanchard)
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