China urges THAAD deployment to cease

China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang commented on South Korea's THAAD deployment on Wednesday. He said China is closely following relevant reports and urges the U.S. and the Republic of Korea to withdraw the system.

The United States and South Korea's deployment of THAAD in South Korea will undermine the strategic balance of the region and cause further tensions on the peninsula. It is not helpful in terms of denuclearization of the peninsula and regional peace and stability. The move hurts the dialogue process and negotiation efforts and will seriously undermine China's strategic security interests. China strongly urges the United States and South Korea to stop actions that harm China's strategic security interests, to cancel the deployment of THAAD, and withdraw the equipment. China will take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and regional security balance," Geng said.