China denies US accusations of South China Sea missile tests
- US official says China appeared to have tested multiple anti-ship ballistic missiles over the weekend
- China’s Defence Ministry denies this, saying it had held routine drills that involved firing of live ammunition
China’s Defence Ministry on Friday denied US accusations that the Chinese military had recently carried out missile tests in the disputed South China Sea, saying instead that they had held routine drills that involved the firing of live ammunition.
The Pentagon said on Tuesday the missile launch was “disturbing” and contrary to Chinese pledges that it would not militarise the strategic waterway.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Friday that according to initial information, China appeared to have tested multiple anti-ship ballistic missiles last weekend. The official added that a detailed analysis was under way.
In a brief statement responding to the US claims, China’s Defence Ministry said this was not true.
“The relevant reports do not accord with the facts,” it said.
“Recently, the People’s Liberation Army Southern Theatre Command arranged live ammunition firing drills in waters near Hainan island in accordance with annual exercise arrangements,” the ministry added. “These were not aimed at any country or any specific target,” it said, without elaborating.
