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Decision for swift operation reflects allies' resolve
The U.S. deployed key components of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Wednesday morning. The U.S. Forces Korea transported the AN/TPY-2 radar and other equipment needed to set up the THAAD unit on what used to be a golf course.
The Ministry of National Defense said Thursday that the U.S. missile defense system will soon be put into actual operation. Adm. Harry Harris, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, told the House Armed Services Committee, Wednesday, that THAAD will be operational "in the coming days."
The allies' decision to swiftly deploy the anti-missile system reflects their determination to strengthen their capabilities to thwart North Korea's military provocations amid heightened tension on the Korean Peninsula.
The decision also reflects Washington's intention to complete the deployment early so that it is not affected by the outcome of the May 9 presidential election.
Given the political and security situations, it is understandable that the allies are moving to operate THAAD early. The reaction from the presidential candidates was mixed. Moon Jae-in of the Democratic Party of Korea said he regretted the move, noting that it went against due procedure and ignored public sentiment. Hong Joon-pyo of the conservative Liberty Korea Party said that the early deployment will terminate unnecessary argument on its installation.
There are still unresolved issues regarding THAAD. The rush to deploy the anti-missile system is somewhat baffling since an evaluation of the environmental impact is still ongoing and residents are still strongly against the deployment. Ten residents who were protesting THAAD were injured during the midnight operations to transport the equipment.
There is still strong opposition from China, which has been carrying out retaliatory measures against Korean businesses. The latest news reports said a massive amount of South Korean food and cosmetics were denied import approval in China last month. Beijing urged Seoul and Washington to stop the deployment immediately and withdraw the relevant equipment during a foreign ministry briefing. During Wednesday's hearing at Capitol Hill, Harris said the THAAD system was a "purely defensive system," adding that it was aimed at North Korea, not China. We urge China to stop meddling in our security policy decisions and undermining bilateral relations with retaliatory measures.
National Security Office chief Kim Kwan-jin and his U.S. counterpart H.R. McMaster talked on the phone about THAAD and other security issues Thursday. Korea and the U.S. should maintain close consultations to convince China on the need for THAAD. They should spare no efforts to convince the Korean people and Seongju residents that THAAD is effective and safe.
