China had received the last shipments of the weaponry from Russia in July under a $3 billion contract signed in 2015, becoming the first country to import the advanced missile system from Moscow. In October, India had signed a $5 billion deal with Russia to acquire the air defence system despite the looming threat of sanctions by the US. The system is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles and it can be used against ground objectives. A report in the South China Morning Post quoted analysts as saying that Russia appeared to have publicized the test last week to highlight closer military ties between Moscow and Beijing and to promote its S-400 system. "Despite pressure from the US, the Russian military will increase its cooperation with the PLA in areas such as missiles, shipbuilding, and other sectors," the Post quoted Li as saying.

Source: bd News24 December 27, 2018 09:45 UTC