Report says China tested a new hypersonic missile capability. Beijing says it was testing spacecraft

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

technology

The Financial Times, citing multiple sources, reported this weekend that China tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in August that orbited the planet before racing back down toward its target at more than five times the speed of sound.

Beijing refuted the report on Monday, saying that it had conducted a routine test of a space vehicle.

The Financial Times, citing five people familiar with the Chinese test, said Saturday that US intelligence was surprised by the capabilities demonstrated during the missile test, which sources said indicated that China is making far greater progress in developing hypersonic weapons than previously known.

But on Monday, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Zhao Lijian argued that what China tested was reusable spacecraft technology, not a missile.

The two very different explanations provided for the testing are not necessarily mutually exclusive, an expert told Insider.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/a-report-says-china-tested-a-new-hypersonic-missile-capability-but-beijing-says-it-was-testing-spacecraft-technology/ar-AAPFBcM

[dchill]

2. Hopefully, Thunderbirds are still go!

Space Force is the more amateur marionette show. Claymated for your viewing pleasure.

[abqtommy]

3. Right*. And I guess the naval and air threats China makes to Taiwan are

merely gestures of affection! I don't even trust Chinese restaurants that post notices
that they don't use MSG.

*This is snark, if you were wondering.