BEIJING - China on Thursday criticized countries involved in anti-missile system deployment in the Asia-Pacific region, pointing specifically at a US X-band radar deployment in Kyoto, Japan.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the move damages peace and stability in the region.

She made the comment after media reports said US military has delivered X-band radar to the Kyogamisaki military base in Kyoto on Tuesday.

The radar, reportedly used to scan for missile launches from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is expected to start operation within this year.

"Some countries have pushed forward anti-missile system deployment in the Asia-Pacific region to seek unilateral security, which runs against regional stability and mutual trust as well as peace and stability in Northeast Asia," Hua said at a regular news briefing.

"This move causes even more concerns, under the backdrop of complex and sensitive regional situation," she said.

She called on relevant countries to proceed from the broader picture of regional peace and stability, be committed to maintaining regional security through political and diplomatic means.

"Relevant countries should not take (their own security concerns) as excuses for damaging others' security interests," the spokeswoman added.