"North Korea has made various efforts to develop nuclear weapons. This year alone, Pyongyang conducted its fourth nuclear test and fired many ballistic missiles," the premier pointed out.

Hwang added China is unlikely to retaliate against South Korea in economic areas due to the THAAD issue, adding Seoul-Beijing ties cannot be easily damaged.

The prime minister said he made efforts to explain the backgrounds of the THAAD deployment to Chinese President Xi Jinping in June, although he declined to comment on details.

China's foreign ministry has been expressing "strong discontent and firm opposition" since allies announced the plan earlier this month.

Hwang also pointed out that it is the role of the government to make all necessary efforts to protect the security and safety of the country. He said to meet this obligation, it is necessary to deploy the THAAD system in the country. (Yonhap)