Beijing officially opposes THAAD in Korean Peninsula

Beijing has again expressed its concern over the possible deployment of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense or THAAD on the Korean Peninsula. As the “issue of THAAD” was reignited by the visit of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to Korea, the attention has been drawn to whether it would lead to the conflict between Washington and Beijing.

On Sunday, Sun Jianguo, vice chief of staff of China`s People`s Liberation Army , officially expressed China’s concern over THAAD deployment on the peninsula to South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo. At a bilateral meeting with Han who took part in the 14th Asian Security Summit in Singapore, he conveyed Beijing’s opposition to THAAD to be deployed with U.S. Forces in Korea.

It has been three months since China conveyed its opposition to the matter. At a defense ministerial talk held in Seoul in February, Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan showed China’s concern over THAAD deployment.

“Taking into consideration Korea’s national interest and security benefit, South Korea would take a leading role in deciding its deployment,” said the South Korean defense minister. “We would discuss with Washington if it makes an official request over the matter.”

ysh1005@donga.com