China test launches intercontinental ballistic missile for first time in decades

The ICBM, carrying a dummy warhead, was launched into high seas' of the Pacific Ocean

China has announced the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the high seas" of the Pacific Ocean, flying over the northern point of the Philippines in what is believed to be the first such test since the early 1980s.

The missile launch, which the defence ministry said was carrying a dummy warhead, comes at a time of growing international scrutiny of the country's nuclear arsenal, and prompted statements of concern from several nations.