CHINA has successfully tested a “carrier killer” missile designed to change the military balance of power in Asia by deterring American aircraft carrier operations up to 1,250 miles from Chinese shores.

The feat will have been a cause of quiet satisfaction for the leaders of China and Russia, who have been discussing enhanced military co-operation at their first summit since a change of power in Beijing.

It comes amid rising concern in Washington about warlike language from China, such as a recent article in the Liberation Army Daily calling for an end to “romantic pacifism” and “full preparation” for war.

Last week a senior US defence official, Ashton Carter, reaffirmed in a speech in Jakarta that the Americans would send new Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor