China Opposes US THAAD Missile Deployment In South Korea

China has opposed the deployment of an advanced Thaad missile defense system by US in South Korea.

"We exchanged views on the THAAD issue and the Chinese side expressed opposition," Chinese executive Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui was quoted as saying in a statement by Yonhap news agency after talks with his South Korean counterpart, Vice Foreign Minister Lim Sung-nam.

China and South Korea discussed underscoring a rift between the countries over the possible deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea.

Zhang said China agrees that the UN Security Council should pass a new and strong sanctions resolution on Pyongyang. He stressed, however, that a fundamental solution to the North Korean issue should be sought through dialogue and negotiations.

Seoul and Washington have begun consultations on placing a THAAD battery in South Korea in response to what they see as a growing threat from North Korea. Beijing views the move as an expansion of Washington's military presence in the Asia Pacific.

North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test on Jan. 6 and launched a long-range rocket on Feb. 7, indicating that it is advancing its nuclear and missile programs in defiance of U.N. Security Council bans.

Lim told reporters he fully explained South Korea's position on the THAAD issue, apparently referring to its stance that its deployment would be purely defensive in nature. He declined to go into details.

Zhang is the first senior Chinese official to visit South Korea since the North's nuclear test, which it claims was of a hydrogen bomb.

It is the seventh time South Korea and China have held the high-level talks, or strategic dialogue, since their launch in December 2008.