China tests new missile in waters near North Korea

May 10 (UPI) -- China tested a new missile in an area close to the Korean peninsula after warning South Korea against the deployment the U.S. missile defense system THAAD.

Taiwan's Central News Agency reported Wednesday Beijing's defense ministry had announced the test of a newly developed rocket in the Bohai Sea, the interior gulf of the Yellow Sea, on the coast of northeastern China.

It was unclear from the announcement when the missile test took place, but Beijing waited until the end of South Korea's presidential election to make the launch public, Yonhap reported.

In its brief statement, the Chinese defense ministry stated the training was aimed at enhancing missile capability while preparing to effectively respond to "national security threats."

Beijing is wary of North Korea's nuclear weapons program, but has also stayed strongly opposed to the deployment of THAAD in central South Korea.

In April, China's foreign ministry said THAAD undermines national security interests and warned "necessary measures" would be taken in response to the deployment.

Last week, Chinese state tabloid Global Times reported the army was responding to THAAD by deploying the Dongfeng-41 missile.

The intercontinental ballistic missile can travel a maximum distance of 8,700 miles and can reach the United States.

On Wednesday China's military did not provide details on the missile.

Seoul has said THAAD has "initial operational capabilities."