China says missile test launch routine military training

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Monday that China's missile test launch was a routine military training activity, not directed at any specific country or target.

Mao made the remarks at a regular news briefing after the People's Liberation Army Navy conducted the test launch of a strategic missile by a submarine on Monday. Mao said the test launch was a routine arrangement and that the Chinese side had already notified relevant countries in advance.

"It is in line with international law and international practice. The launch has been carried out in a safe, standardized and professional manner. We hope relevant countries will not over-interpret this," Mao said.