DHAKA: Chinese defense ministry has confirmed the test of a supersonic nuclear delivery vehicle, a move described by the US as an ‘extreme manoeuvre’ amid tension in the South China Sea.

The fourth successful test of hypersonic glide vehicle - which the US has dubbed the ‘Wu-14’ - was carried out on Sunday. It was the People Liberation Army's fourth test of the weapon in 18 months, reports the Times of India.

“The scheduled scientific research and experiments in our territory is normal, and those tests are not targeted at any country and specific goals,” the defense ministry said.

But military observers said the frequency of the tests showed Beijing was reinforcing its nuclear deterrent in response to Washington’s continued interference in China’s territorial disputes in the region.

One of its key features is the ability to manoeuvre to avoid US missile defences, it said.

The Wu-14 was assessed as travelling up to 10 times the speed of sound, or around 7,680 miles per hour, it said.

The test took place a day before Central Military Commission vice-chairman Fan Changlong left for a week-long visit to the US. He since completed the visit during which he held talks with US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter.

Experts say the launch was timed to raise Fan’s bargaining power in discussions with the US, as well as to express Beijing’s disapproval of Washington’s sustained interference in the South China Sea.

BDST: 1714 HRS, JUNE 14, 2015
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