Seoul doesn’t aim to change deal:
Moon
South Korea does not aim to change its agreement on the deployment of a US anti-missile system to protect against North Korea, in spite of a decision to delay its full installation, Seoul’s top national security adviser said on Friday.
Chung Eui-yong called the decision to delay installation of remaining launchers of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, pending a review of its environmental impact, a domestic measure to ensure a democratic process.
“The decision to introduce THAAD was made to protect South Korea and the US forces in South Korea from a growing threat from the North. We won’t take this decision lightly,” Chung told a news briefing.
He said South Korea would discuss ways to strengthen the joint defence against North Korea’s weapons programs during a summit between new South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump in late June.
Two launchers of a full six-launcher THAAD battery, as well as the system’s far-reaching radar, which China worries could upset the regional security balance, have already been installed on an old golf course in South Korea’s southeastern city of Seongju.
Moon’s office said on Wednesday that deployment of the four remaining launchers would be halted for the environmental assessment, which may take well over a year, according to a senior administration official. (RTRS)