China carries out anti-missile test amid tension over North Korea’s nuclear programme

China says it has successfully carried out an anti-missile test.

A statement from the Ministry of Defence said a ground-based interceptor missile was used to knock out a ballistic missile during the “mid-course” of its flight outside the earth’s atmosphere.

The test was on Monday in a location in China, but no other details were given.

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The statement said the move was not targeted at any particular country.

However, the test comes amid months of international tension over North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missiles programme.

China and Russia have opposed the deployment of a US-developed missile defence shield in South Korea, saying its powerful radar can probe deep into their territory and undermine their own security.

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China first tested a ground-based “mid-course” missile interception in 2010. A second test was conducted in 2013. 

The US has been developing similar technology. 

More to come