China tests interceptor missile

China has successfully tested its advanced air defence capabilities, intercepting a missile in mid-flight within its territory, state media reported.

“The test has achieved the expected objective,” the official Xinhua news agency quoted the foreign ministry as saying on Tuesday.

The report on the “ground-based mid-course missile interception technology” comes amid tensions over US arms sales to Taiwan.

Last week the US cleared a sale of advanced Patriot air defence missiles to Taiwan despite opposition from Beijing, a move which could chill ties at a time when China and the US are also wary about trade disputes and economic strains.

Shi Yinhong, a Chinese expert on US-Sino ties from Renmin University of China, told Al Jazeera that there was “a connection” between the missile interceptor test and the US-Taiwan arms sales.

He said China’s missile tests were an “indirect reaction” to the weapons sales, noting that it was difficult for Beijing to take direct action against the US.