China has once again expressed opposition to the planned deployment of a US anti-ballistic missile shield in South Korea, China Radio International reported on Friday.

Seoul and Washington announced on Friday that they have officially launched a joint working group, which is tasked with discussing the deployment of the THAAD system.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei says that given the current situation on the Korean Peninsula, no country should act to escalate the tense situation 

"We have noticed the reports on THAAD deployment. At present, the Korean Peninsular issue is highly complicated and sensitive, and no country should take any action to escalate the tense situation. China strongly opposes the United States deployment of the THAAD system in South Korea, and hopes the related countries will act cautiously and refrain from jeopardizing China's legitimate strategic security interests."

The joint group is discussing the military effectiveness of the system, the appropriate sites for deployment, a timeline, as well as other issues including cost-sharing, safety and environmental impact.

The two sides say the system will help defend against increasing security threats from North Korea.

Source : MENA