NK nuke test reignites debate over THAAD

By Yi Whan-woo

President Park Geun-hye has reignited the debate over whether South Korea should agree to allow the U.S. to deploy its terminal high altitude area defense (THAAD) system here to intercept nuclear-capable missiles fired by North Korea.

In a New Year's address, Wednesday, Park said the government will start reviewing whether to deploy THAAD for "security and national interests" as a countermeasure to the North's latest nuclear test.

China raised deep concerns about Park's comments, while voices are growing in the United States for an early deployment of the advanced missile defense system in its allies.

Debate is heating up here as well.

Some opposition lawmakers have shown support for THAAD deployment.

Concerned about provoking North Korea and China, opposition lawmakers had previously been against deploying THAAD.

However, Rep. Lee Seok-hyun of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK) said Thursday, "The best counter-measure against Pyongyang's nuclear threats would be deploying THAAD."

Lee also serves as the National Assembly vice speaker.

Citing Washington's claim, MPK Vice Floor Leader Baek Kun-ki, said, "THAAD is seen as an essential element to deter North Korea's attacks; but I'm against bringing it on to South Korean soil."

Saenuri Party spokesman Rep. Kim Young-woo said, "I believe the President made a judgment that a more powerful way is needed to press North Korea and that's why she brought up the issue of THAAD.

"I think the government and the ruling party should actively go over this together."

Park's comment also spurred responses from both the U.S. and China, which have wrangled over THAAD.

As an integral part of the U.S. missile shield, THAAD is designed to shoot down short, medium and intermediate range ballistic missiles at a higher altitude in their terminal phase using a hit-to-kill method.

China protested that the system's long-range radar could be used to spy on its military activities.

"A nation should consider neighboring countries' security as well as regional peace when it thinks of its national interests," a Chinese foreign ministry official said.

Meanwhile, Jon Wolfsthal, senior director for arms control and nonproliferation at the U.S. National Security Council said, "If we see a need or if there is a desire among Japan or South Korea and the U.S. to cooperate and deploy those capabilities, we believe that there is a role for them both in deterrence and protection of forces.

"But I don't have anything that we're going to announce or changes that we have in mind today."

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