China airs footage of 1st ballistic missile interception test
China has released a footage of its first interception test for mid-course ballistic missile defense system in 2010.
The video was released by China Central Television (CCTV) on Sunday. The exact date and location of the ballistic missile is unknown.
“Ballistic missile defense system is the strong backing for strategic defense and an important chip in the contest between big powers. It makes a world of difference whether you have it or not,” Chen Deming, a Chinese military official, said.
Chen, who is a researcher at People's Liberation Army's military base in northwest China, started the test with his group a few years ago.
“All of our research is meant to solve the problems that may crop up in future actual combats,” said Xu Chunguang, another researcher at the base.
After the first test, researchers spent nearly three years to work on a number of core technologies for the system. The second test was successfully conducted on January 27, 2013, according to CCTV.
The development comes as South Korea and the United States plan to deploy an advanced missile system on Korean Peninsula, drawing condemnation from China and Russia.
The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) will be installed by the end of next year to defend the country against nuclear and missile threats from North Korea as South Korea and the United States claim.
On Sunday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi voiced outrage over the deployment, saying the move harms the foundation of mutual trust between Beijing and Seoul.
THAAD has been designed to intercept ballistic missiles inside or just outside the atmosphere during their final phase of flight.
The announcement of the system deployment has also angered North Korea, which has threatened to take “physical action” in response to the decision.
Tensions have already been running high between North Korea which carried out its fourth nuclear test in January and the US and South Korea which have stepped up their military exercises in the region.
Seoul and Washington began talks on the THAAD deployment to the Korean Peninsula after the North put an earth observation satellite into orbit in February.
The deployment of the THAAD batteries into the southern town of Seongju in South Korea has already triggered massive protests from local residents.
On Sunday, thousands of residents hold a rally for the 10th consecutive night to protest the deployment.
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