According to a new report China has tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in a move that caught United States intelligence by surprise.
The missile launched in August and circled the globe before speeding towards its target, which it missed by about two dozen miles according to three individuals briefed on the intelligence.
Two of those individuals said the test showed how far China has progressed on hypersonic weaponry. China announced earlier this year that it will increase its defence budget by 6.8% in 2022.
China is not currently tied to any arms-control deals and has yet to properly engage in talks with the U.S.