Chinese state media slams South Korea's Moon Jae-in for THAAD

Aug. 4 (UPI) -- China's state-owned Xinhua news agency slammed the South Korean government on Friday over its decision to deploy additional THAAD launchers.

President Moon Jae-in's administration recently announced the decision to strengthen missile defense in the wake of North Korea's recent tests, but Xinhua characterized the decision as a "confused" move that aggravates bilateral relations, News 1 reported.

In the statement that read like an indirect warning to Seoul, Xinhua suggested Moon's decision to deploy four additional THAAD launchers does not help with peace and stability in the region.

The Chinese state news agency quoted excerpts from South Korea's left-leaning newspaper Hankyoreh in order to drive home the point the U.S. missile defense system is controversial for some South Koreans, and that THAAD-related government measures are being executed "indecisively" in multiple instances.

Xinhua may have been referring to Moon's campaign pledges and his reversal of decisions on a THAAD environmental survey.

But North Korea's continued missile provocations have changed Moon's overall position regarding THAAD.

Xinhua also claimed the decision to deploy U.S. missile defense only provides North Korea with an excuse to carry on with provocations.

South Korea has not ruled out dialogue with Pyongyang, an option that is integral to Seoul's two-track policy.