China confirms another test of new intercontinental missileApril 21, 2016 - 15:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - China's Defence Ministry on Thursday, April 21 indirectly confirmed a report it had carried out another test of a new intercontinental missile, Reuters reports. The Washington Free Beacon on Tuesday reported that China had on April 12 again tested a new long-range missile called the DF-41. It did not say where the test took place but noted it came ahead of a visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter to the aircraft carrier USS Stennis in the South China Sea. The Chinese Defence Ministry in a statement on its website in response to the report said that routine research tests on Chinese territory were normal. "These tests are not aimed at any set country or target," it said. The Washington Free Beacon said it did not know where the test happened, though the Defence Ministry said reports said it had happened in the vicinity of the South China Sea. "Media reports about the test location are pure speculation," it said, without elaborating. The ministry confirmed in December that China was testing the missile. The Washington Free Beacon said U.S. intelligence agencies had recently monitored a test of the DF-41, which can be mounted on a train. Chinese President Xi Jinping is overseeing an ambitious military modernization program, including developing stealth fighters and building its own aircraft carriers. That has rattled Beijing's neighbors, several of whom are engaged in territorial disputes with China, as well as Washington. China says it has no hostile intent and that it needs a modern military to protect its legitimate security needs as the world's second-largest economy. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. CSTO: Armenia has not participated in secretariat’s work recently Recently Armenia has not participated in the work of the secretariat of the CSTO, Imangali Tasmagambetov said. Meeting with U.S., EU not against third parties, says Armenia The meeting scheduled for April 5 is dedicated to strengthening of the Armenia-EU-US cooperation, Yerevan added. Ucom launches network modernization efforts in few regions of Armenia In particular, on March 28, the legacy Mobile Switching Subsystem will be replaced with a new one. |