China successfully intercepted a ballistic missile in mid-flight, according to a statement released by the Chinese military June 19.
“China conducted a land-based mid-stage anti-missile interception technology test in its territory, and the test achieved its intended purpose,” said the announcement, which appeared in Chinese state-run media on June 20.
“The test was defensive and did not target any country,” the statement also said.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has massively expanded and modernized its military capabilities under Xi Jinping, who became General Secretary of the Party in 2012. The effort has included nuclear expansion, hypersonic orbital bombardment systems, and anti-satellite weapons, among other things….