China confirms test of new long-range missile

China has quietly confirmed a report that it carried out another test of a new long-range ballistic missile.

The Washington Free Beacon said on Tuesday that China on April 12 had successfully tested a new long-range intercontinental ballistic missile called the Dongfeng-41 (East Wind, DF-41).

The privately-owned online newspaper did not say where the test took place but noted the missile launch came ahead of a visit by US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter to the aircraft carrier USS Stennis in the South China Sea.

In a statement on its website on Wednesday, the Chinese Defense Ministry said that routine research tests on Chinese territory were normal.

“These tests are not aimed at any set country or target,” the statement said.

The ministry further dismissed as “speculation” the reports that the missile test was conducted in the vicinity of the South China Sea.

“Media reports about the test location are pure speculation,” it said, without elaborating.

The ministry confirmed in December that China was testing the missile. The Washington Free Beacon said US intelligence agencies had recently monitored a DF-41 missile test on a rail launch platform by Beijing.

The new missile tests are believed to be part of a military modernization program by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which includes developing stealth fighters and building aircraft carriers. Beijing says it has no hostile intent and that the military overhaul plan is needed to protect its legitimate security requirements.

SS