China Defense Technology: Beijing conducts mid-course land-based missile interception test

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China has announced the successful test of a mid-course, land-based missile interception system. The National Defense Ministry says Monday's test was conducted within Chinese territory. Natalie Pang has more.

No other details were given and only pictures could be seen online.

Turpan, Xinjiang The National Defense Ministry put out a brief statement, saying the "ground-based mid-course anti-missile interception technology" was tested within China's borders. It also said the test was defensive in nature and did not target any country.

"The test of interception technology was conducted on Monday within China's territory and achieved its preset goal." "The test is defensive in nature and does not target any country."

Mid-course interception involves destroying a ballistic missile as it flies in space before re-entering the atmosphere. China first tested the technology in 2010, and then in 2013. The US and Japan are the other countries which conducted similar tests.

Chinese missile expert and quantum defense scientist, Yang Chengjun, told the media that many countries are now building their own anti-ballistic missile capabilities, saying that China's test was normal.

Yang Chengjun Chinese missile expert "Many countries are now building their anti-ballistic missile capabilities so this mid-course land-based missile interception test is normal and part of a schedule."

Yang also noted how the three tests showed China's maturing technology. But he also qualified that it does not mean China should be overconfident, as a test is far from actual combat.