THAAD deployment undermines China-U.S., China-ROK strategic mutual trust: spokesman

The deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) in the Republic of Korea (ROK) destabilizes the regional strategic balance, and undermines China's strategic interests as well as the strategic mutual trust between China-U.S. and China-ROK.

Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made these remarks at a regular news briefing.

When asked about the upcoming China-Russia drill in the South China Sea, Wu said China and Russia have conducted a third round of consultation during Aug. 16 to Aug. 21, and reached consensus on implementation plans, communication and logistic affairs. The theme of the drill will be "joint defense action at sea."

Armies of China, Australia, and the U.S. will conduct a joint drill in Darwin, Australia from Aug. 24 to Sept. 11. Chinese and Australian armies will conduct a joint drill, "panda-kangaroo-2016", in Sydney from Sept. 14 to to Sept. 23, Wu said.

Both drills are aimed at deepening understanding and pragmatic military cooperation, Wu said.

China's naval and air forces recently conducted routine exercises in the Sea of Japan and the Western Pacific, Wu said.

The exercise, in accordance with the international law and practices, was not carried out against any specific country or target, and the Chinese military will continue organizing such routine actions according to schedule, Wu said.

Wu also voiced firm opposition to Japan's attempt to send self-defense forces to join U.S. "freedom of navigation" operations in the South China Sea. The Chinese military is resolved to defend the country's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests, and will respond to any threats or challenges, Wu said. Endi