The Korea Times:
The parliamentary vice speaker called Thursday for the deployment of an advanced U.S. missile defense system as part of the country’s self-defense against the threats posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
Lee Seok-hyun, vice speaker of the National Assembly, said the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in South Korea has become an “indispensable self-defense.”
THAAD is designed to shoot down ballistic missiles in their terminal stage using a hit-to-kill program.
Lee, who is affiliated with the main opposition Minjoo Party, said during a meeting with party officials, “It is natural for South Korea to come up with self-rescue measures,” citing North Korea’s advances in its nuclear capabilities.
North Korea claimed last week that it successfully carried out its first hydrogen bomb test and fourth nuclear test, sparking concerns around the world about the country’s defiant pursuit of nuclear ambitions.
Experts have warned that it is only a matter of time until the North masters the technology to make nuclear warheads small enough to fit on a ballistic missile.
Lee’s comments represent a departure from the party, which has been cautious on the deployment of the THAAD missile defense system, citing China’s opposition.
China has repeatedly expressed its opposition to the possible deployment of a THAAD battery in South Korea as the radar system could monitor military facilities in China.
Still, Washington says the THAAD battery is a purely defensive system designed only to counter ballistic missile threats from North Korea.
On Wednesday, President Park Geun-hye said she will consider whether or not to deploy a THAAD battery based on South Korea’s security and national interests by taking into account threats posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. (Yonhap).
