Korea, US agree to deploy THAAD as scheduled

Defense Minister Han Min-koo, left, and U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis

By Jun Ji-hye

Defense Minister Han Min-koo and U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis agreed Tuesday to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery here as planned.

In a 30-minute phone conversation, the top defense officials said the deployment of the anti-missile system will go forward despite China’s protests and retaliatory measures, according to the Ministry of National Defense.

China strongly opposes the THAAD deployment in the belief that its X-band radar could be used to spy on its missile capabilities despite Seoul and Washington’s assurances that the system is only to defend against the North’s ballistic missiles.

The allies have agreed to deploy the advanced U.S. anti-missile defense unit here by July.

The phone conservation took place ahead of the U.S. official’s two-day visit to South Korea, beginning Thursday, on his first overseas trip after being appointed to head the Pentagon.

He will meet with acting president, Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, National Security Office chief Kim Kwan-jin and Minister Han to discuss the North’s missile threats and other bilateral challenges, the ministry said.

Mattis said he chose South Korea as his first destination as the Seoul-Washington alliance is significant amid growing North Korean threats.

Firm readiness posture against North Korea

In their phone call, Han and Mattis also agreed to maintain a firm readiness posture so the allies can immediately and overwhelmingly respond to possible provocations from Pyongyang.

The ministry said Mattis vowed to offer extended deterrence, which refers to Washington’s stated commitment to defend its ally by mobilizing all military capabilities — nuclear and conventional — to deal with the North’s aggression.

“The defense chiefs of the two countries assessed that there is a greater possibility of the North pushing forward with strategic and tactical provocations amid power transitions in the U.S. and South Korea,” a ministry official said on condition of anonymity.

The comment came as the reclusive state has ratcheted up military threats with its leader Kim Jong-un claiming in his New Year address that the North has entered the final stages of preparations to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of about 10,000 kilometers, capable of hitting targets on the U.S. mainland.

Expressing their concerns over the North’s missile threats, Han and Mattis shared the need to consistently improve the Seoul-Washington alliance and strengthen their cooperation in coping with the repressive state, the ministry said.

The agreement was in line with one made Sunday between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Hwang in a phone conversation, during which they reaffirmed the importance of the alliance and agreed to strengthen joint military capabilities.

The ministry added that the two defense chiefs did not discuss issues related to cost-sharing for the upkeep of the U.S. Forces Korea, downplaying speculation that the newly inaugurated U.S. administration may demand Seoul pay more for its protection.

During the presidential campaign, Trump argued that it made no sense for the U.S. to pay to defend prosperous allies like Japan and South Korea, and should consider pulling out of these countries unless they pay more.

The ministry said Mattis will have bilateral defense talks with Han, Friday, after paying courtesy calls on Hwang and Kim, Thursday.

The defense chiefs are reportedly planning to announce a strong warning message against the North after their talks.

Mattis will leave for Japan after wrapping up his trip here.