The Wall Street Journal:
South Korea announced the site for an advanced U.S. missile-defense system meant to better protect against North Korea—but that some in the South fear will bolster China’s backing for Pyongyang.
Beijing strongly opposes deployment of the system, which uses a powerful radar to scan all of North Korea and some Chinese territory.
The Thaad battery—for Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense—will be based around 180 miles south of Seoul, in Seongju county, South Korea’s Defense Ministry said Wednesday. Slated for deployment by the end of next year, the system, built by Lockheed Martin Corp., shoots down ballistic missiles at high altitudes.
The planned location will provide protection for up to two-thirds of the South Korean population and for nuclear-power plants and oil-storage facilities, the ministry said.
Washington and Seoul said last week they would introduce the Thaad system into South Korea, spurred by recent advances in North Korea’s missile development. In recent months, North Korea has test-fired dozens of missiles and rockets, including, for the first time, ballistic missiles from submarines and mobile launchers.
A poll conducted earlier this year by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies showed 74% of the South Korean public supported the deployment of Thaad. But some in South Korea have said it will damage relations with China, Seoul’s biggest economic partner
