Chinese FM warns of adverse impact on Korean Peninsula by THAAD deployment
Xinhua, July 25, 2016 Adjust font size:
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) in South Korea will adversely impact the situation on the Korean Peninsula, regional stability and bilateral ties.
When meeting with his South Korean counterpart Yun Byung-se Sunday on the sidelines of an ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in the Lao capital, Wang said the deployment of the advanced U.S. missile defense system will jeopardize mutual trust between the two countries.
He urged the South Korean side to seriously address China's concerns and think twice over the THAAD deployment.
For his part, Yun said both South Korea and China can cooperate to cope with various challenges, adding that his country has no intention of harming the strategic security interests of China.
South Korea is ready to advance its strategic partnership with China as they celebrate the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year.
On Monday, Wang met with Foreign Minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Ri Yong Ho.
Wang said China attaches importance to the friendship and cooperation with DPRK, noting that China stands ready to boost communication with DPRK and advance bilateral cooperation,
Wang stressed that China advocates denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, supports maintenance of peace and stability on the peninsula, and seeks to resolve issues through dialogue and consultation.
Ri said DPRK is willing to make joint efforts with China to consolidate and develop DPRK-China friendship and cooperation.
He also said DPRK is willing to keep communication with China over the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Endit