China test-fires intercontinental ballistic missile into Pacific Ocean

China's defence ministry said on Wednesday that its People Liberation Army (PLA) has successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean.

The ministry said the launch was "not directed at any country or target and in line with international law", reported news agency Reuters.

The intercontinental ballistic missiles have a range greater than 5,000 km and are capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

The Chinese military's "Rocket Force launched an ICBM... carrying a dummy warhead to the high seas in the Pacific Ocean at 08.44 (China is 2.30 hours ahead of India) on September 25, and the missile fell into expected sea areas", the ministry said in a statement.

"This missile launch is a routine arrangement of the Rocket Force’s annual military training. It effectively tests the performance of weapons and equipment and the level of troop training,” the ministry statement said.

"(It) achieved the expected purpose. China notified relevant countries in advance," the South China Morning Post quoted the ministry as saying.