BEIJING (AP) – China says it has successfully intercepted a missile in flight, in a test of an anti-ballistic missile system that could improve its defenses while pressuring its land claims.
A brief statement from the Defense Ministry on Sunday afternoon gave no details, but said the test was purely defensive in nature and was not aimed at any foreign nation.
Missiles are an important component of China’s defense and are the backbone of its space program, which has launched astronauts and components into the country’s orbiting space station.
The missile interception test comes as China has stepped up threats against the autonomous island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims is its own territory to be annexed by military force if necessary. A conflict over Taiwan would likely lead to the United States, which is the island’s main source of weapons, and is legally required to consider the threats as a matter of “great concern.”
China is also involved in territorial disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam and other governments over the South China Sea.
China is believed to have supported Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, although it is not known to have provided material support. The conflict has drawn new attention to Taiwan and whether it could withstand a Chinese assault.
Chinese military expert Song Zhongping said China has conducted such tests in the past, but is looking to make a point by announcing the latest.
“The reasons why China is making it public are because of the military transparency and the effective deterrence of some countries,” Song said.