The United States is trying to placate China over the deployment of an advanced anti-ballistic missile system to South Korea.

The US State Department spokesperson John Kirby said that it is a purely defensive system. He further pointed out that the deployment would enhance the missile defense posture of the alliance in response to North Korea's threats.

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"There's no reason why this deployment should be of concern to Chinese leaders since it is a purely defensive measure and because the North Korea - because the North continues to pose such a real and significant threat to South Korea," he said at a press conference.

China on Friday raised strong objection to the deployment of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense ( THAAD) to U.S. forces based in South Korea. Beijing expressed strong discontent and firm opposition over the US' and South Korea's agreement on the THAAD deployment, saying that the move would seriously impair China's strategic interests in the region. Russia has also objected to the THAAD deployment in South Korea.

The US has offered to brief Beijing on the issue. "We have certainly listened to their concerns, and we have offered to provide informational briefings for them on the way the system works," Kirby said.

He also revealed that the US Ambassador to China Max Baucus met with his Chinese counterparts about the issue.

The Pentagon, on the other hand, said that the United States remained in touch with Chinese and Russian leaders at the highest levels over the issue. The Pentagon also clarified that the THAAD defense system would not undermine China or Russia's strategic interests. 

TagsUS, china, South Korea, THAAD, Russia, North Korea