JAKARTA - China's Ministry of Defense announced that it had successfully conducted an intercept test of a land-based missile, achieving results aimed at its defensive nature.
China is known to have stepped up research into all kinds of missiles, from those that can destroy satellites in space to nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles, as part of an ambitious modernization scheme overseen by President Xi Jinping.
Beijing has tested missile interceptors before; the most recent public announcement of a test was in February 2021, and before that in 2018. State media said China had been conducting anti-missile system tests since at least 2010.
The ministry said in a brief statement late Sunday that a test of "ground-based anti-missile interceptor technology" had been carried out that night.
"The test achieved the expected goal," the ministry said.
"This test is defensive in nature and is not aimed at any country," the ministry added, without providing other details.
China, along with its ally Russia, has repeatedly expressed opposition to the deployment of the United States' Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system in South Korea.
Beijing argues the equipment's powerful radar could penetrate into its territory. In addition, China and Russia have also held simulated anti-missile drills.
It is known that China has provided few details about its own missile program, apart from occasional brief statements by the Defense Ministry or in state media.
VOIR éGALEMENT:
In 2016, the Ministry of Defense confirmed that it was continuing to test the anti-missile system after images appeared on state television.
Beijing authorities say such technology is necessary for national defense and security.
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