The radar and launchers, key elements of the missile interception system, are likely to go into test operation in the near future.  

"We have already expressed our grave concerns to the South Korean and US governments," China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a press briefing after being asked China's stance on the deployment. "The deployment of THAAD in South Korea would destroy the strategic balance and incite a further rise in the tensions."

"The Chinese side strongly urges the US and South Korea to cancel the deployment and withdraw the equipment," the spokesman noted.

The deployment runs counter to the principle of resolving the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogue and negotiation as well as the goal of denuclearizing the peninsula, the spokesman also said.

He then reiterated that bringing THAAD to the peninsula "gravely impairs" the strategic security interests of China, pledging to take action in response.

"China will not fail to sternly take action necessary to safeguard its interests," he said. (Yonhap)