The missile was armed with a training warhead and fell into the water “in a pre-designated sea area,” according to a statement from China’s Defense Ministry.
China on intercontinental missile launch: Exercise to check effectiveness of weapon
China has insisted that the missile launch was a “routine action” as part of China’s annual missile force drills. China’s Defense Ministry added that such drills “test the effectiveness of weapons and equipment, as well as the level of training of troops.”
The intercontinental missile launch “hit the intended target” and “relevant countries were notified in advance,” a statement from China’s defense ministry said.
China’s DF-41 intercontinental missile could reach US territory
China has Dongfeng intercontinental missiles – the latest known missile of this type is the DF-41, which was supposed to enter service in 2017 and was first shown to the public two years later. The range of this missile is from 12,000 to 15,000 km, which means it can reach, among other things, the United States. The DF-41 can reach speeds of Mach 25 and carries 8-10 warheads.