China said Tuesday it successfully conducted a test of a ground-based missile defence system amid rising tensions on the Korean peninsula. Concern over a potential conflict with nuclear-armed North Korea is growing following a series of bellicose statements between Washington and Pyongyang. Monday's test of the mid-range missile system "achieved its anticipated goal" according to a brief statement by the Chinese defence ministry.
"This test was defencive. It does not target any country," it added. The US has deployed a missile defense system, known as THAAD, in South Korea to guard against threats from North Korea, despite objections from Beijing, which considers the installation a threat to its own security.