Xi urges caution over US missile deployment in South Korea

China hopes South Korea handles the deployment of the advanced US THAAD missile system in a prudent and proper manner, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday.

The Republic of Korea should pay attention to China's legitimate security concerns over the deployment of THAAD - Terminal High Altitude Area Defense - US military's sophisticated missile defense system, Xi said.

The Chinese president made the remarks while meeting with ROK Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn in Beijing.

China and ROK should be dedicated to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, jointly maintain the peace and stability of the peninsula, and push forward the relevant parties to resolute problems through peaceful dialogue, Xi said.

Xi also called on the two countries to deepen political trust, enhance communications through multiple channels including government, legislature and political parties, and make full use of the mechanisms of bilateral strategic dialogues.

Hwang said that the ROK would like to keep close communication with China over issues including the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsula.

The ROK would like to establish closer economic ties with China under the framework of ROK-China free trade agreement, he said.