ICBM test launch ‘legitimate, reasonable’, Defense Ministry says as a test was designed to assess missile’s capability and performance.
The intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launched by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on Wednesday was “completely legitimate and justified,” according to a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the PLA Rocket Force announced in a brief statement that the ICBM, equipped with dummy warheads, was launched at 8:44 a.m. and successfully reached its target area in the open waters of the Pacific Ocean.
During a press conference in Beijing, ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang explained that the test was designed to assess the missile’s capability and performance as well as the troops’ training levels. He emphasized that the test was part of the routine training schedule and was “fully legitimate and reasonable.”
Zhang also reaffirmed China’s nuclear policy, highlighting its stability, consistency, and predictability.
He reiterated that China adheres to a no-first-use nuclear policy and is committed to a self-defense nuclear strategy.
Zhang also added that China does not participate in an arms race and has pledged not to use or threaten nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or regions free of nuclear weapons.
Furthermore, he concluded by stating that China maintains its nuclear forces at the minimal level necessary for national security.
Related Posts
