Russia issues stern warning over US missiles in South Korea

Russia warned Friday that the US deployment of an advanced missile defense system in South Korea would have "irreparable consequences," echoing warnings by China of a threat to regional security.

"The United States, supported by its partners, are continuing to build up the potential of the Asia-Pacific segment of the global anti-missile defense system, which undermines the established strategic balance in the (region) and beyond," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

These actions "most negatively affect global strategic stability," the statement said, following the announcement by the US and South Korea that they would deploy the system to thwart potential attacks from North Korea.

China and Russia have been saying for months that the defence system, called the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence, or THAAD, is unnecessary and would tip the balance of power in the Pacific towards the United States.

China on Friday said the system would "seriously damage the strategic security interests of countries in the region" and urged to stop the deployment process. — Agence France-Presse