China says it successfully intercepted a missile in flight
Source: AP
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 as it presses its territorial claims.
A brief statement from the Defense Ministry late Sunday gave no details, but said the test was purely defensive in nature and was not aimed at any foreign nations.
Missiles are a major component of Chinas defense and are the backbone of its space program, which has launched astronauts and components to the nations orbiting space station.
The missile interception test comes as China has been escalating threats against the self-governing island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory to be annexed by military force if necessary. A conflict over Taiwan would likely bring in the U.S., which is the islands main source of weaponry and is legally bound to regard threats to it as a matter of grave concern.
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/politics-taiwan-china-beijing-6a34c56628be111959ed3d5e6a3a429a
brush
(53,840 posts)IronLionZion
(45,516 posts)I hope they are not inspired to do anything stupid after watching Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
DFW
(54,436 posts)If not, why make a big deal about it, hmmm?
Tetrachloride
(7,865 posts)there is more bull than shit in the announcement.
Harker
(14,033 posts)paleotn
(17,946 posts)The US, our allies and Israel have had that capability since the 90's.
FakeNoose
(32,726 posts)Maybe Pootie needs to know this more than we do ... (?)