The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force on Wednesday launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which successfully carried a dummy warhead to the international waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Chinese Defense Ministry said. 

The missile, launched at 8:44 a.m., fell into expected sea areas, the ministry said in a statement, adding the test launch was a routine arrangement in the rocket force's annual training plan and China had informed relevant countries in advance.

"It is in line with the international law and international practices and is not directed against any country or target," the ministry said.