Chapter 6 China’s Missile Defense Capability
2022.06.07
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Introduction
On February 4, 2021, the P.R.C. Ministry of National Defense announced the successful trial of ground-based midcourse anti-ballistic missile technology, which achieved expected goals. This accomplishment attracted international attention to China’s development in anti-ballistic missile systems. The trial was China’s fifth test of anti-ballistic missiles, with the preceding four tests in 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2018.[1] The U.S. Department of Defense supposed that the 2018 test was for the DN-3 interceptor while the 2021 test was for HQ-19 missile systems, both already in service and are considered anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons.[2]
[1]“China Declared the Success of the Ground-based Midcourse Anti-ballistic Missile! Department of Defense: not Targeting Any Country,” Xinhua Net, February 5, 2021, http://www.xinhuanet.com/mil/2021-02/05/ c_1211012765.htm.
[2]“China Testing the Ground-based Midcourse Anti-ballistic Missile U.S.: Anti-satellite Weapon,” Want Daily, March 9, 2021, https://www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20210309000712-260301?chdtv.