Yonhap:
China on Wednesday snubbed an offer by the United States to hold talks about technical issues related to the possible deployment of an advanced missile defense system to South Korea, arguing that the move is not a technical issue.
In the aftermath of North Korea’s fourth nuclear test in January and launch of a long-range rocket in February, South Korea has launched formal talks with the U.S. to adopt a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system in the country.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken said Tuesday in Washington that he hopes China accepts the offer to hold talks on technical issues on the THAAD battery in an effort to appease Beijing’s anxiety that it could also target mainland China.
“The deployment of a THAAD system in South Korea pursued by the United States is not a simple technical issue, but it is a strategic one related to peace and stability in Northeast Asia,” China’s foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters.
The deployment of a THAAD battery in South Korea would “go far beyond the actual defense requirement of the Korean Peninsula and will cause a direct impact on China’s strategic and security interests,” Hong said.
China has long voiced concerns about the deployment of the THAAD system in South Korea, arguing that it could undermine its own national security interests.
China’s logic is that the powerful radar of the THAAD battery could target its own territory if it is deployed in South Korea.
Both Seoul and Washington officials have dismissed such concerns, saying the U.S. missile shield is defensive in nature and focuses on North Korea’s missile activities.
Blinken said the deployment of a THAAD battery in South Korea is a necessary move at a time when North Korea continues to make advances in its nuclear and missile programs.
“We’ve also been very clear with Beijing that… as long as North Korea continues to take these actions and to advance its nuclear and missile programs, and as long as that’s not stopped and reversed, we will have to take steps to assure our own security and that of our partners and allies,” Blinken told a forum hosted by the Brookings Institution.
“None of these steps are directed against China, but it’s also no secret that many of these steps are not ones that China is enthusiastic about. But we’ve been very, very clear that we will have to do it. The best example of that recently is the conversation that’s begun with the South Koreans about the deployment of the THAAD missile system,” Blinken said.
