It was described by a spokesperson as a routine spacecraft experiment.
It's not a missile
The Financial Times reported that China had tested a hypersonic nuclear-capable missile in August. Beijing now denies the report, claiming it was only testing a completely harmless spacecraft.
Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Monday that it wasn't a missile and was a space vehicle. According to Reuters. Lijian said that the test took place in July, not August as reported by Financial Times. While it is possible that China is lying, it is also plausible that the new story was used by the Financial Times to hide a missile test.
He stated that this test was a routine spacecraft experiment to confirm the reusable technology of the spacecraft. CNN obtained a statement from him. It is a cost-effective and convenient way for humans to peacefully use space. Similar experiments have been conducted by many companies around the globe.
Sputnik Moment
Five anonymous sources, familiar with the situation, allegedly provided the original report to the Financial Times. They claimed that the initial report was based on a statement from five people who were aware of the situation.
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According to reports, US officials were concerned that they underestimated the progress made by China towards hypersonic weapons. The missiles, if they are viable, would be capable of bypassing the US missile defense system. This would pose a new security threat.
Blake Hounshell, Politico editor, said it best when he tweeted: This has all the elements for a Sputnik moment.
Benefit Mankind
China insists, however, that the test was done for a spacecraft which will most certainly do more good than harm.
Lijian stated that China would work with other countries around the globe to benefit humanity in peaceful space use.
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On the one hand, there is a report about a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile. This has US security officials shaking. China claims it was an exciting addition to the 21st century space race.
Although we hope it is the latter, the US government should prepare for the former just to be safe.
READ MORE: China denies a report of a hypersonic missile test and says it has tested a space vehicle [Reuters]
Read more about China's hypersonic missile: DARPA Launches an Air-Breathing Hypersonic Misile
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