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China conducted a land-based missile eavesdropper test that “achieved its expected purpose,” according to the Defense Ministry, trying to describe it as defensive and not aimed at any specific country. As part of an ambitious modernization scheme overseen by President Xi Jinping, China has increased research into all types of missiles, from those that can decimate satellites in space to sophisticated nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles.
Beijing has previously tested missile interceptors; the most recent formal statement of a test was in February 2021, and the one before that was in 2018. According to state media, China has been testing anti-missile defence systems since at least 2010.
The ministry announced late Sunday in a brief statement that the “earth midcourse anti-missile intercept technology” test had been completed.
“The test met its objectives,” the ministry said. “This test was defensive in nature and was not directed at any specific country.”
There were no other details provided.
China and its ally Russia have repeatedly expressed opposition to the United States’ implementation of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile defence system in South Korea.
China claimed that the equipment’s potent radar could infiltrate its territory. China and Russia have also conducted mock anti-missile exercises.
Aside from brief statements by the Defense Ministry or state media, China has provided few specifics about its own missile programmes.
After images of anti-missile system tests appeared on state television in 2016, the Defence Ministry confirmed that the tests would continue.
According to Beijing, such technology is required for nationwide defence and security.
