China Interfering in THAAD Deployment Decision Process ‘Preposterous’

PACOM Commander Harry Harris said that the intervention by China in negotiations about US deploying its THAAD missile defense system in South Korea is senseless.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The intervention by China in negotiations about US deploying its THAAD anti-ballistic missile defense system in South Korea is senseless, US Pacific Command (PACOM) Commander Harry Harris said in a briefing on Thursday.

"We are having the discussions now [about THAAD deployment]," Harris stated. "China’s interference in a decision that is to be made between alliance partners, the Republic of Korea and the United States, is preposterous, especially when you consider that THAAD is not a threat to China."

Earlier on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing is concerned over US plans to deploy the elements of the THAAD system to South Korea.

Yi also suggested that China’s concerns should be taken into consideration.

Earlier in February, the US Department of Defense said Washington and Seoul planned to begin talks on deploying the THAAD system to South Korea to defend the region against North Korea’s development of ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons.