China test fires so-called carrier killer missiles into South China Sea

Those reports said the missiles involved were DF-21D and DF-26 missiles, both of which have been touted in Chinese propaganda as highly accurate and able to hit ships moving at sea.

"China's DF-26 and DF-21D are the world's first ballistic missiles capable of targeting large and medium-sized vessels, earning them the title of 'aircraft carrier killers,'" the state-run Global Times said on Thursday, citing military observers.

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A separate editorial in the same outlet acknowledged speculation around the launch of the DF-21D and DF-26 missiles, saying only that the "Chinese side has neither confirmed nor denied it."

The editorial added that China "must increase its actions in the waters accordingly to suppress US arrogance and reinforce the US understanding that China does not fear a war."

Home to vital international shipping lanes, the South China Sea is widely deemed as a potential flashpoint for a military conflict between the US and China.