China's defense ministry on Thursday voiced fresh opposition to the possible deployment of an advanced U.S. missile defense system in South Korea.
  
South Korea decided to start formal talks with the U.S. to adopt the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, in the wake of North Korea's fourth nuclear test and rocket launch this year.
  
China has long been opposed to the THAAD battery in South Korea, claiming it undermines Beijing's national security interests.
  
During a monthly press briefing, China's defense ministry spokesman Wu Qian expressed "serious concerns" about the possible deployment of the THAAD battery.
  
Wu argued that the THAAD battery could "directly harm China's strategic security interests and undermine global strategic stability."
  
South Korea has dismissed the Chinese opposition, saying the THAAD battery is needed to better cope with North Korea's growing threats of nuclear and missile programs. (Yonhap)