China vows ‘resolute’ measures as US deploys first parts of THAAD missile system to South Korea
The plans to deploy the missile system by the end of this year have angered not only North Korea, but also China and Russia, which see the system’s powerful radars as a security threat
China said Tuesday it would “resolutely” defend its security interests as the US began deploying the THAAD missile-defence system in South Korea that Beijing fears will undermine its own military capabilities.
“We are firmly opposed to the deployment of THAAD in the Republic of Korea by the US and the ROK,” foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters at a regular press briefing in Beijing.
“China will resolutely take necessary measures to defend our own security interests. All consequences entailed from this will be borne by the US and the ROK.”
South Korea and the United States agreed last year to install the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system, which China has repeatedly denounced as a threat to its security.
Deployment of the THAAD system “contributes to a layered missile defence system and enhances the US-ROK Alliance’s defence against North Korean missile threats,” the US Pacific Command said in a statement.