China Conducts Long-Range Nuclear Missile Test During Visit Of Senior U.S. Diplomat

In a photo released by China's People's Liberation Army, a Dongfeng-31 intercontinental ballistic missile is test launched. Handout

Ministry Of Defense Calls Missile Claim ‘Speculation’ -- Global Times

Media reports on Thursday speculated that China was test-firing a Dongfeng-31 missile, which is said by experts to be capable of carrying nuclear warheads as far as 8,000 kilometers, far enough to reach the US.

However, missile models and military drill locations are military secrets that cannot be revealed and China's Ministry of National Defense will not comment on similar questions, the ministry told the Global Times on Thursday.

China has been embroiled in a series of territorial disputes with several neighboring countries in the South China Sea.

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Update: Military: China Conducts Long-Range Nuclear Missile Drill -- Defense News/AFP

My Comment: Some are speculating that this nuclear missile drill was done as a warning to the US not to meddle in region .... especially since this test happened when Senior diplomat William Burns was in China to discuss tensions over Beijing’s military development and it's island disputes. Chinese is (of course) denying any linkage. As to what is my take .... this test was done deliberately with the U.S. in mind and to send a message.