New Delhi: China has denied it tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in August, saying the test was a “routine spacecraft experiment”.
“This test was a routine spacecraft experiment to verify the reusable technology of spacecraft, which is of great significance to reduce the cost of spacecraft use. It can provide a convenient and cheap way for humans to use space peacefully. Many companies in the world have carried out similar experiments,” China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Monday.
A daily had reported on Sunday that “China tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in August that circled the globe before speeding towards its target, demonstrating an advanced space capability that caught US intelligence by surprise”.
When asked about the report at a regular press briefing on Monday, Zhao said the test was “a spacecraft, not a missile”.
“What separated from the spacecraft before returning was the supporting equipment of the spacecraft, which was burned and disintegrated in the process of falling into the atmosphere and landed on the high seas. China will work together with other countries to benefit mankind in the peaceful use of space,” he added. The report had stirred strategic experts, with US analysts calling upon Pentagon to fast-forward their plans for a superfast hypersonic missile, which is turning into a prestige project for nations. The US, Russia and China are said to have conducted multiple tests while North Korea has claimed to have tested once. India, Japan, Australia, France and Germany are also developing such weapons, according to the US Congressional Research Service.