No need to hype ballistic missile footage: PLA

Footage from a live-fire launch of a People's Liberation Army Rocket Force hypersonic ballistic missile should not be misinterpreted or linked to unrelated developments, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

Commenting on recently released footage of a live-fire launch of the DF-17 hypersonic ballistic missile, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, said at a regular news conference that the Rocket Force had arranged media coverage to showcase its modernization efforts and evolving spirit as it advances into a new era.

Referencing the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China's strategic missile force, Zhang said: "Over the past six decades, the force has strengthened its combat capabilities and built a strong foundation for national defense.

"Today, it is embarking on a new journey from a new starting point."

Airing live-fire launch footage of the hypersonic ballistic missile, China Central Television showed the DF-17 launch vehicle stopping on a highway at night and conducting a direct launch without additional support.

Several media outlets suggested that the timing of the broadcast, between the conclusion of the G7 summit and the start of the United States-led Rim of the Pacific military exercises, reflected a desire to demonstrate the PLA's capability to carry out long-range precision strikes.

Responding to the speculation, Zhang said no additional information could be provided and emphasized that there was no need for misinterpretation or undue association.