China tests out land-based missile interceptor

CHINA — China's Defence Ministry this week said that the country had conducted a successful test of a land-based anti-missile system.

Missiles launched from land-based midcourse defense systems are designed to intercept incoming projectiles over Earth, reported the Asia Times. These are launched after the incoming projectile is tracked by satellite and radar systems.

The Ministry of Defence said this week's land-based midcourse defense systems test wasn't directed at any country, reported Chinese state-run media outlet the Global Times.

The U.S., along with the UK, France, Russia, India, North Korea and China are all reported to have intercontinental ballistic missiles.