Beijing has tested missile interceptors in the past. the most recent previous public announcement of a test was in February 2021 and before that in 2018. State media reported that China has been conducting missile defense tests since at least 2010. China is stepping up research on all types of missiles, from those that can destroy satellites in space to advanced nuclear-guided ballistic missiles, as part of a modernization overseen by President Xi Jinping. China, along with its ally Russia, has repeatedly stated its opposition to US development of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system in South Korea. China has argued that powerful equipment radar could penetrate its territory. China and Russia have also conducted simulated anti-missile exercises. China has provided few details about its own missile programs, other than occasional brief statements by the Ministry of Defense or the state media. In 2016, the Department of Defense confirmed that it was continuing to test missile systems after photos appeared on state television. Beijing says such technology is essential for national defense and security. With Reuters
