Full coverage: THAAD Deployment in South Korea

China is calling on the US to "immediately cease" the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense or THAAD anti-missile system in South Korea.

A US commander said the battery would be deployed in eight to 10 months, and the size of the THAAD system would be bigger than the one in Guam.

"The US deployment of the THAAD anti-missile system on the Korean Peninsula seriously damages the strategic balance in the region and harms the strategic security interests of regional countries, including China. This is contrary to the efforts of protecting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," said Hua Chunying, Spokesperson, Chinese Foreign Ministry.

"China has expressed its concerns several times and clearly stated our stance. We will resolutely take necessary measures to safeguard our own security interests. We also urge the relevant sides to face up to China's legitimate concern and immediately stop the deployment process."