Korea to Deploy 4 Additional THAAD Launchers Thursday

In April, 396 people filed an administrative suit against the provision of a former golf course in Seongju County, North Gyeongsang Province, to U.S. Forces Korea, claiming that it is a violation of the law on state-owned land. Dozens suffered minor injuries in their struggle with the police and were treated in hospital, according to the police.

They continue to block the only road leading to the site.

China's remarks come after the South Korea Defence Ministry announced it would carry out the temporary deployment of launching vehicles at 2am tomorrow (September 7) at its site in Seongju, south of Seoul.

Local residents have protested the THAAD deployment for fear that their town may turn into a primary target for North Korean attacks.

Civilian in South Korea protest against President Moon Jae-in's orders to deploy four THAAD launchers

A Thaad battery is made up of six mobile launchers, 48 interceptors, AN/TPY-2 radar and the fire and control unit. The battery is capable of intercepting most North Korean missiles, except ICBMs.

President Moon Jae-in speeded up the full deployment despite an ongoing environmental review after North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile on July 28.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang expressed grave concerns over the planned additional installation as he urged South Korea and the U.S.to withdraw the THAAD system.

China strongly objects to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, saying its powerful radar can probe deep into its territory, undermining its security.