Beijing criticized developments in South Korea’s THAAD deployment process on Monday, using both Chinese media and the Foreign Ministry’s regular press briefing to scorn the move.

The response from Chinese authorities followed a South Korean announcement that the Lotte group had reached a land deal with the government, clearing a hurdle towards the deployment of the U.S. made missile defense system.

“I want to emphasize again that China is firm in its resolve to oppose the deployment of THAAD in the ROK and will resolutely take necessary actions to safeguard its own security interests. Any consequences entailed from that will