China today warned that the plans by the US and South Korea to deploy a missile defence system on the Korean Peninsula harms Beijing's "strategic security interests" and may destabilise the region, as it summoned the envoys of both countries to register its "firm opposition".
"Disregarding the clear opposition from relevant countries including China, the US and Republic of Korea (ROK), decided to go ahead with the deployment of THAAD, (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) systems. China has lodged solemn representations with their ambassadors," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a media briefing here.
Reports from Seoul said both the US and South Korea have agreed to deploy a controversial missile defence system, in the wake of intensifying threats emanating from North Korea.
Beijing fears the system's radars would be able to see far into its territory, a BBC report said.
THAAD missiles shoots down short- and medium-range ballistic missiles in the terminal phase of their flight using hit and kill technology. They have a range of 200 km and can reach an altitude of 150 km.
"The deployment of the THAAD in no way helps toachieve the denuclearisation goal and maintain peace and stability of the Korean peninsula," Hong said.
