Latest round of anti-missile tests hits 'preset goal'

China successfully tested its land-based anti-missile system on Wednesday, its third successful test since 2010, but observers said the system still needs to be improved.

China conducted tests on its missile-interception system on Wednesday and "achieved the preset goal", according to the Ministry of National Defense on its website shortly after the trial.

Military authorities provided no further information, including at which stage the missiles were intercepted. After a missile is launched, interception normally takes place at one of the three key stages of trajectory: boost, mid-course or terminal phase.