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January 30, 2013

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Home » Opinion » Chinese Views

Anti-missile test is defensive and not targeted at any nation

CHINA'S Defense Ministry confirmed late Sunday that China succeeded in conducting a land-based mid-course missile interception test within its territory.

This was the second time that China announced such a missile test. A similar operation was launched on January 11, 2010.

These tests, which involve highly complicated technologies to detect, track and destroy a ballistic missile in outer space, have only been attempted by the United States and Japan.

The success of China's anti-missile test is the latest in a series of achievements in military vessels and aircraft, including China's first aircraft carrier and the test flight of a giant air-freighter.

These demonstrate the country's fast-developing ability to defend its own national security and deter any possible threats.

It is understandable that some in the international community would speculate on how China would use these technologies.

Unfounded theory

Some may even consider these moves proof of the unfounded "China threat theory."

China has maintained that these military advancements are purely defensive in nature, and they have no specific targets.

The speedy disclosure to the public of such an important move as the anti-missile test also attests to increasing transparency in military affairs.

Moreover, a militarily stronger China will not abandon its determination to promote economic growth through the path of peaceful development and the construction of cooperative partnerships with countries around the world.

The Chinese people are well aware that only peaceful and stable world order can ensure China's national interests.

At this moment when bloody conflicts continue to claim innocent lives in Syria and tensions over the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula are mounting in the Asia Pacific, China is well aware that no weaponry - only candid talks, courageous compromises and wise diplomacy - can effectively end hostility, restore peace and nurture benevolence.

The author is a Xinhua reporter.




 

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