Chinese military conducts full test of long-range missile 'which can hit any part of US'
The missile has an estimated range of 12,000km and can carry up to 10 warheads, which separate from the rocket body and target individual cities.
China last week launched its most comprehensive test of its latest-generation intercontinental ballistic missile, the DF-41, which can hit anywhere in the US, according to an American media website.
A successful test would mean China had made a significant advance in its nuclear capabilities, with far-reaching consequences for Washington's balance of weapons power in the Asia-Pacific, a defence policy expert said.
The PLA conducted the full test of the DF-41 involving multiple, independently targetable reentry vehicles on Saturday, the Washington Free Beacon quoted unnamed US defence officials as saying on Thursday. The Beacon, a conservative online newspaper, has a proven track record in reporting on such tests, with previous accounts later confirmed in state media.
The missile has an estimated range of 12,000km and can carry up to 10 warheads, which separate from the rocket body during the final, third stage of flight and target individual cities.
The military has previously carried out tests of the DF-41 but these probably involved only a single warhead, according to Professor He Qisong, a defence policy specialist at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law.
"A full-course flight test of the DF-41 means China has made another stride forward in building a great nuclear power," He said. "The new achievement will definitely raise concern from the US as it [shows China can] … break through Washington's ballistic missile defence systems in the Asia-Pacific region."