Q: The ROK claims that it will soon start consultations with the United States on deploying the other four THAAD system launchers in response to DPRK's most recent launch of intercontinental ballistic missile. What is your comment on that?

A: The Chinese side expresses serious concerns about the relevant actions of the ROK. China's firm opposition to the deployment of the THAAD system in the ROK by the United States is consistent and clear-cut. The deployment of the THAAD system cannot address the security concerns of the ROK. Neither can it resolve the relevant issues concerning the Korean Peninsula. It will only complicate those issues. I would like to reiterate that the deployment of the THAAD system in the ROK will disrupt the strategic balance in the region and endanger the strategic security interests of regional countries including China. We strongly urge the ROK and the United States to take seriously China's interests and concerns, stop the deployment process and remove relevant equipment.