US plays down China concern over Korea missile defense

The US is playing down concerns that its deployment of a missile defense system in South Korea will set back Chinese cooperation in countering North Korea's development of nuclear weapons.

China contends that the system's radar would also cover Chinese territory. It protested Friday the announcement by close allies, South Korea and the US that they are ready to deploy the system, and summoned the U.S. Ambassador to China, Max Baucus.

State Department spokesman John Kirby said Friday the U.S. continues to need Chinese leadership and influence with respect to North Korea.

He told reporters that the system is "purely defensive" and was a response to the threat posed by North Korea to South Korea.
 

He said, "There's no reason why the deployment should be of concern to Chinese leaders.