CHINA JOINS ICBM CLUB

TIME has confirmed a report by the Japanese daily Asahi Shimbun that China has tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the U.S. The "Dongfeng 31" missile reportedly has a range of about 5,000 miles, enough to threaten the U.S. West Coast and most of Europe. Another missile, reportedly with twice the range, is in the works. TIME Bejing bureau chief Jamie Florcruz saysthe Chinese will continue testing of both long range ICBM's and nuclear warheadsfor another year. "The Chinese have refused to stop nuclear tests," Florcruz reports. "They just did one three weeks ago, although the U.S. is pressuring them to stop. The missile tests are China's way of showing their spite, and of saying to the U.S.: 'look what we can do.' "