China is firmly against the deployment of the US anti-missile defense system, known as THAAD in South Korea, China's Ministry of Defense said Thursday, arguing it undermined regional balance and stability.

Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun also stressed during a regular press conference that the Chinese army would continue with practical and targeted drills, as well as operational tests of new-type weapons and equipment to safeguard national security and regional peace and stability.

Yang's comments came after elements of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, including radar and mobile launchers, were transferred to the deployment site in Seongju county, South Korea early Wednesday.