China has expressed its disagreement over the possible deployment of advanced U.S. missile defence system in Korea. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yu made China's opposition clear during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry last week.

According to Xinhua, the meeting between Kerry and Wang took place on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 12. This is not the first time that China has protested against the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system in South Korea.

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The United States and South Korea have been conducting discussions on the deployment of THAAD since the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) launched a satellite on Feb. 7. Security experts have warned that the satellite launch may have been a cover for Pyongyang to test its long rang missile technology.

The THAAD is one of the most advanced weapon defense systems in the world. It can intercept and destroy ballistic missiles inside or outside the atmosphere during the final phase of flight. However, the deployment of THAAD poses a threat to neighbouring countries - including China - despite assurances frpm Washington and Seoul that the missile will be focused solely on the DPRK.

During an interview with Reuters on the sidelines of the Munich meeting, Wang revealed that China is indeed apprehensive about the deployment of THAAD in South Korea. He explained that Beijing is concerned with the deployment as it moves beyond the defense needs of the Korean Peninsula and the coverage may affect other Asian countries.

He told Reuters that such a move will directly affect the strategic security interests of China and other Asian countries.

The Chinese foreign minister urged the U.S. to be cautious and consider China's security interests as well, adding that such an interference could result in complications for regional peace and stability.

Wang admitted that North Korea's recent nuclear test and rocket launch violated U.N. resolutions and challenges the global non-proliferation agenda.

The United States and China have agreed to expedite the consultation process at the UN Security Council to finalize new resolutions and measures to prevent DPRK from developing nuclear programs.

Tagschina, Terminal High Altitude Area Defence, South Korea, UN Security Council, North Korea