S Korea does not aim to change US missile defence deal: Security adviser

SEOUL/WASHINGTON: 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 programmes during a summit between new South Korean President Moon Jae-In and US President Donald Trump in late June.

Two launchers of a full sixlauncher 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.

Moon vowed in his election campaign to review the decision to deploy THAAD, which was made by his conservative predecessor, Park Geun-Hye, greatly angering South Korea’s neighbour China, an important trading partner, and some domestic critics.

US officials have sought to play down the impact on relations with South Korea, a long-time treaty ally where more than 28,000 troops are based, although a Pentagon spokesman made clear it would like to see the full battery installed.

“We believe considering the threat from North Korea, a full THAAD battery is the best addition to the defence of (South Korea),” Commander Gary Ross said.

A US administration official said US diplomats had sought clarification from South Korean officials as to whether the environmental review was a prelude for a rejection of the whole THAAD system, and were assured that Seoul planned to uphold its end of the agreement.