China says ICBM launch 'routine'

China said on Thursday that its launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean was "legitimate and routine", insisting that its nuclear stance remained defensive after the rare test prompted an outcry from countries in the region.

Beijing announced the trial on Wednesday -- its first such test in four decades -- saying that the missile was carrying a dummy warhead.

The launch sparked protests from countries in the region, with China's neighbour Japan saying it had not been given advance notice and Taiwan expressing "solemn condemnation".

Beijing's defence ministry said on Thursday the test was "a legitimate and routine arrangement" that aimed to "test our weapon and training performance".

"China's nuclear policy is very stable, consistent and predictable," ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang told a news conference in Beijing.