On January 11, 2010, China conducted a test on ground-based midcourse missile interception technology within its territory. The test has achieved the expected objective. The test is defensive in nature and is not targeted at any country. (Xinhua File Photo)Greetings from Andalo.
China announced that it has conducted a missile defense test. The announcement was very brief:
BEIJING, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) — On January 11, 2010, China conducted a test on ground-based midcourse missile interception technology within its territory. The test has achieved the expected objective. The test is defensive in nature and is not targeted at any country.
The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson made slightly more detailed comments, including noting that “The test would neither produce space debris in orbit nor pose a threat to the safety of orbiting spacecraft.”
That China might move some of its “hit to kill” research into the missile defense arena is hardly surprising — Geoff Forden has a post appropriately titled, Told you so.
China unveils anti-missile test after Taiwan sale -- Reuters
China Says Missile Interception Test Successful -- Voice of America
China tests missile interceptor system -- Financial Times
China 'successfully tests missile interceptor' -- The Gua
China unveils anti-missile test after Taiwan sale -- Reuters
China Says Missile Interception Test Successful -- Voice of America
China tests missile interceptor system -- Financial Times
China 'successfully tests missile interceptor' -- The Guardian
China tests new technology to shoot down missiles in mid-air -- The Telegraph
China 'successfully tests missile interceptor' -- BBC
China Tests Midcourse Missile Interception -- Information Dissemination
With Defense Test, China Shows Displeasure of U.S. -- New York Times
China did not notify US before anti-missile test: Pentagon -- AFP