China rejects US criticism over missile test notification

China rejected on Thursday US criticism over its recent missile test notification, saying it had informed the United States and other relevant parties in advance and accusing Washington of applying "double standards".

Responding to a question from Reuters at a regular news briefing, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the missile launch was a routine part of China's annual military training program aimed at testing the reliability, safety and effectiveness of relevant weapons systems.

"The activity was consistent with international law and international practice and was not directed at any specific country or target," she said.

Mao said China had released relevant information in a timely manner and notified the US and other relevant parties in advance, demonstrating the openness and transparency of the Chinese military.

Rejecting criticism from the US State Department that China's notification came too late and lacked sufficient details to meet the standards expected of the five nuclear-weapon states, she said the United States was applying a "typical double standard".

"As the only country in the world to have actually used nuclear weapons, and the country possessing the world's largest and most advanced nuclear arsenal, the US conducts strategic missile launches from nuclear submarines every year, yet criticizes China's normal missile launch," Mao said.

"The US should view China's national defense and military development in an objective and rational manner and take concrete actions to safeguard global strategic stability," she added.