Test-fire of intercontinental ballistic missile 'fully legitimate': China

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) — China on Thursday defended its first test-firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in decades, with the rocket falling into the Pacific Ocean earlier on Wednesday.

The country's Defense Ministry said the launch of missile was "fully legitimate" and "reasonable," state media reported.

China's Rocket Force had test-fired an ICBM into the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday at 8.44 a.m. (0044GMT), carrying out the trial with a dummy warhead, according to the ministry.

The missile fell into a designated area in international waters, it added.

"It is in line with international law and international practices and is not directed against any country or target," the ministry had said.

This was Beijing's first known launch of an ICBM in 44 years and it is estimated that the missile traveled approximately 12,000 kilometers (about 7,455 miles).

It came ahead of China's national day on Oct. 1, when the world's second-largest economy will celebrate its 75th anniversary.

The ministry had claimed it informed all relevant countries in advance as the launch was a routine arrangement in the Rocket Force's annual training plan.

But, Japan criticized China for the launch, saying it was not given any advance notice.

"China's growing military activity is a serious concern," top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters Wednesday in Tokyo.