By Kim Young-jin
South Korea and the United States may be inching closer to an agreement on extending Seoul’s ballistic missile range, a source close to negotiations on the issue said Wednesday, despite potential backlash among regional players.
The source said relevant negotiations were “almost done” and that the sides had begun consultations over “additional matters such as cooperation on missile defense."
Seoul has been seeking to extend the range to 800 kilometers, putting all of North Korea within striking distance. Reports suggest that both China and Japan are not comfortable with the move, because a significant extension could also put their cities in range.
Debate lingers over the move.
Proponents argue that China has intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capability and that Japan could convert its rockets into ICBMs as well. They say that in effect, an arms race has already begun.
But some wonder if the move is more symbolic than tactical, saying Seoul’s cruise missiles are accurate and affordable.
“It raises suspicions in Beijing and Tokyo and could contribute to the stimulation of an arms race,” one defense expert said asking not to be named. “As it is, the South Korean inventory can be deployed in a variety of ways and can be devastating.”
He added: “If the South does this now, how does it affect its bargaining position when asking North Korea to curtail its missiles?”
Seoul is banned from developing ballistic missiles with a range of more than 300 kilometers and a payload heavier than 500 kilograms under a bilateral agreement with Washington.
President Lee Myung-bak warned in March that the North was capable of reaching the southern island of Jeju, stressing the need for a “realistic” adjustment of the range.
The report quoted another source as saying the U.S. could allow the South to develop its range to some 550 kilometers while bolstering all-around deterrence against Pyongyang’s threats.
Washington has been encouraging Seoul and other allies to cooperate in boosting its regional missile defense systems.
In April the North raised the ire of the international community with a satellite launch that was seen as cover for a ballistic missile test. The rocket fizzled soon after launch.
The move broke Pyongyang to pledge to suspend its uranium enrichment at its Yongbyon plant and halt missile and nuclear tests in exchange for U.S. aid.