China's Defense Ministry on Friday denied U.S. accusations that the Chinese military had recently carried out missile tests in the disputed South China Sea, saying instead that they had held routine drills that involved the firing of live ammunition.
The Pentagon said on Tuesday the missile launch was "disturbing" and contrary to Chinese pledges that it would not militarize the strategic waterway.
A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Friday that according to initial information, China appeared to have tested multiple anti-ship ballistic missiles last weekend. The official added that a detailed analysis was underway.