Seoul, Washington Decide to Deploy THAAD
in S. Korea
Amid North Korea’s mounting nuclear and missile threats, South Korea and the United States decided to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense(THAAD) system on the Korean Peninsula. The decision sparked controversy in South Korea over the necessity of the missile defense system and where to locate it. Overseas, the decision angered China and led to clouded Seoul-Beijing relations.
On July eighth, Seoul and Washington announced their decision to deploy the THAAD battery in South Korea as a defense measure. The two sides described the move as necessary to protect the South Korean people and to help South Korea-U.S. military alliance cope with the North’s nuclear and missile threats.
THAAD is designed to counter incoming ballistic missiles at an altitude ranging from 40 to 150 kilometers.
The decision drew much controversy, mostly after Seongju County in North Gyeongsang Province was picked as the deployment site. Seongju residents strongly protested the decision, citing concerns about the health risks of electromagnetic waves stemming from the antimissile battery.
Though it was proved that the level of electromagnetic waves from the THAAD radar was below the permissible level, it was not enough to calm down the residents. As a result, a decision to house THAAD on another side- a golf course owned by Lotte in Seongju - was finalized.
China has condemned the THAAD deployment, claiming it’s a threat to its security interests. China revealed its opposition at every possible occasion. Experts claim the displeasure even went as far as Beijing restricting the performance of South Korean pop culture stars China. The Chinese government also ratcheted up pressure on Lotte Group by launching a massive tax investigation and safety inspections at the firm's Chinese offices and stores.
South Korea and the U.S. plan to complete the THAAD deployment sometime in 2017. However, it is uncertain whether the deployment will come on schedule given South Korea’s uncertain political situation and as the opposition camp is also against the deployment.
Photo : Yonhap News, KBS News
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