The South Korean government has slammed China's criticisms of its decision to host the US' Terminal High Altitude Area Defense ( THAAD) anti-missile unit, challenging Beijing to instead adopt a pro-active role in dealing with Pyongyang's nuclear missile tests in the peninsula.

South Korean President Park Geun-hye's statement further heightened diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Seoul. China has sharply criticized South Korea's latest moves in the peninsula.

Like Us on Facebook

Park said in a statement that China's criticisms are "out of place" and that Beijing is not in a position to blame Seoul for heightening tensions in the region.

US help

South Korea has sought the help of the US to deploy the THAAD anti-missile system on its soil to counter North Korea's nuclear missile tests.

"Rather than taking issue with our purely defensive action, China should raise issue in a stronger manner with North Korea which is breaking peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and Northeast by conducting four nuclear tests and, just this year, launching more than 10 ballistic missiles," Park said.

Beijing has slammed South Korea's decision to deploy the THAAD anti-missile system, pointing out that the advanced weapon could further create security threats in the peninsula and might compromise China's security.

Talks

Washington and Seoul held talks on the deployment of the THAAD anti-missile system to South Korea in January following Pyongyang's fifth nuclear test and its launch of a long-range rocket despite recent United Nations sanctions imposed on the belligerent country.

Seoul has assured Beijing that the missile system would not target the mainland and that it would only be used to counter threats from North Korea. Nonetheless, China remains concerned about the move.

Chinese-run newspaper China's People's Daily published an editorial last week lambasting Park for seeking support from the US by deploying the THAAD anti-missile system.

"It is impossible for South Korea's leader not to know America's strategic plot. She is well aware of the real direction of the THAAD anti-missile system," the editorial read. 

TagsTHAAD, South Korea, missile tests, North Korea, Korean peninsula, china