China: Envoy voices opposition to U.S. shield in S. Korea

BEIJING, Feb. 29 (Yonhap) -- China's chief nuclear envoy, Wu Dawei, has voiced the country's opposition to the possible deployment of an advanced U.S. missile defense system in South Korea during his meetings with Seoul officials, China's foreign ministry said Monday.

Wu, who arrive in South Korea on Sunday, expressed his "solemn position" on the possible deployment of the U.S. missile shield, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, in South Korea, China's foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters.

South Korea decided to start formal talks with the U.S. to adopt the THAAD battery in the wake of North Korea's fourth nuclear test and rocket launch this year.

For South Korea, the decision to adopt the U.S. missile system was based on its national security interests to enhance its defensive posture against North Korea's advances in its nuclear and missile programs.

China has voiced opposition to the possible deployment of the THAAD battery in South Korea, claiming that it would undermine its own security interests.

South Korea has dismissed China's concerns.

kdh@yna.co.kr
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