A news portal reported on Saturday that China tested a hypersonic missile capable of reaching space. The report, citing multiple sources, said Beijing tested a nuclear-capable missile in August that circled the Earth at low orbit before dropping toward its target. Three sources said the missile missed the target by over 20 miles (32 kilometers).

In August, Long March conducted its first hypersonic glide test, which it usually announces, but this time remained under wraps. The report added that China's progress on hypersonic weapons "caught US intelligence by surprise."

In addition to China, the United States, Russia, and at least five other countries are working on hypersonic technology. A hypersonic missile, like a traditional ballistic missile with the ability to carry nuclear weapons, can travel at more than five times the speed of sound.

The arc shape of a ballistic missile enables it to reach its target, whereas a hypersonic engine can travel through the atmosphere at low speeds and potentially reach its target faster. It is particularly difficult to track and defend a hypersonic missile because it is maneuverable (unlike the much slower, often subsonic cruise missile).

Countries such as the United States have developed systems to defend against cruise and ballistic missiles, but the ability to track and destroy hypersonic missiles is still a concern.

According to a recent report by the US Congressional Research Service (CRS), China has been developing the technology aggressively to counter US gains in hypersonics and other areas. In recent days, tensions between China and the United States have escalated, and Beijing has stepped up military activities near Taiwan, the self-governing democracy aligned with the United States that Beijing refers to as a province awaiting reunification.

The missile circled the Earth at low orbit before speeding towards its target, according to the sources, “demonstrating an advanced space capability that caught US intelligence by surprise”.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said he would not comment on the specifics of the report.

But he added, “We have made clear our concerns about the military capabilities. China continues to pursue, capabilities that only increase tensions in the region and beyond. That is one reason why we hold China as our number one pacing challenge.”

Image source: Livemint