China has released a video footage of its first-ever test of a ballistic missile interception system conducted in 2010. The move is seen as a potential warning amid the United States' move to deploy its Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) anti-missile system to South Korea.

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"The ballistic missile defense system is a critical link in our strategic defense, and is also an important chip in the contest between big powers," Chen Deming, a PLA researcher, said.

"It makes a world of difference whether you have it or not," Chen said. He noted that the ballistic missile defense system is one the country's key domestic defense capabilities.

Xu Chungunang, an expert working at a military base in northwest China, told CCTV that "All of our research is meant to solve problems that may crop up in actual future combats."        

After conducting several successful tests in 2010, it took another three years to develop the core technologies of China's anti-missile system. A second successful test was reported in January 2013.

According to the Mirror, the move to finally release this never-seen-before footage may be meant to send a warning to the US, which is set to deploy its THAAD anti-missile system before the end of 2017.

The US insists that the system is meant to protect South Korea from potential attacks from North Korea. However, Chinese officials said the planned deployment is threatening to the country's security.

Wang Yi, China's foreign minister, has warned to his South Korean counterpart that the THAAD deployment will affect the level of trust between the two nations.

TagsBallistic missile, anti-missile system, THAAD, ballistic missile defence system