The top US commander over the Indo-Pacific region of operation has revealed new intelligence before a Senate panel on Tuesday that China’s military test launched an advanced anti-ship ballistic missile into the South China Sea.
The previously undisclosed launch occurred in August last year and was meant to send an “unmistakable message” to Washington, according to Indo-Pacom Commander Admiral Phil Davidson’s testimony.
“These mid-range, anti-ship ballistic missiles are capable of attacking aircraft carriers in the western Pacific,” Davidson said. He specifically described of the DF-21D missile test that “Their employment during a large-scale PLA exercise demonstrates the PLA’s focus on countering any potential third-party intervention during a regional crisis.”