The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) test-launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Wednesday.
According to the U.S. Air Force announcement, operators initiated the test launch through the airborne launch control system on an E-6B military aircraft. The missile's reentry vehicle traveled approximately 4,200 miles (about 6,759 kilometers) to a U.S. military test site in the Marshall Islands.
The announcement stated that this test launch aimed to evaluate the reliability and combat readiness of the Minuteman III ICBM system.
According to U.S. media, the Minuteman III ICBM was commissioned in the 1970s, and there are currently about 400 such missiles in active military service.
US conducts test launch of unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile
US conducts test launch of unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile
US conducts test launch of unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile
Chinese President Xi Jinping awarded Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China in Beijing on Monday.
As solemn music played and the golden doors slowly opened, Xi and Vucic entered the hall together, followed by Xi's wife Peng Liyuan and Vucic's wife Tamara Vucic.
Applauding guests rose to their feet, and paid respect to the two heads of state.
A Guard of Honor escorted the Friendship Medal into the hall, and amid solemn music, Xi formally presented the medal to Vucic.
Xi highlighted Vucic's long-standing commitment to advancing China-Serbia friendship and underscored the significance of the honor.
"President Vucic has long stayed committed to China-Serbia friendship, and he has always given China the firmest and clearest support on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns. He gains the respect from the Chinese people. This medal is not only a high recognition of President Vucic's contributions to bilateral friendship, but also carries the earnest expectations of both peoples for building a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era," Xi said.
The Friendship Medal is China's highest state honor for foreigners, reserved for those who have made outstanding contributions to China's modernization drive, promoting exchange and cooperation between China and the world, and safeguarding world peace.
At the invitation of Xi, Vucic is on a state visit to China from Sunday to Thursday, with this marking his first state visit to China and his ninth trip to the country overall.
Xi awards Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic China's friendship medal
