South China Morning Post: South Korea’s president Moon halts deployment of more THAAD missile launchers until ‘environmental impact’ probe is done
Hundreds of Seongju residents have protested over what they see as potential hazards posed by the batteries
South Korea will suspend any further deployment of a controversial US missile defence system until an environmental impact assessment ordered by new President Moon Jae-in is finished, his office said Wednesday.
Seoul agreed last year under Moon’s ousted predecessor, Park Geun-hye, to deploy the powerful missile intercept system to guard against threats from nuclear-armed North Korea despite opposition from Beijing, which views it as a threat to its own military capabilities.
Two missile launchers have been deployed in the southern county of Seongju, where hundreds of residents have staged fierce protests over what they see as potential environmental hazards posed by the batteries used in the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system.
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WNU Editor: This will be seen in North Korea as a South Korean capitulation. As for China .... they will see this as a split between South Korea and the U.S./Japan coalition, and will not feel pressured to put pressure on North Korea to roll back their missile and nuclear programs. As to what is my take .... the South Korean government got scared on the backlash against this deployment, and is now hoping for some quid-pro-quo from North Korea for this suspension. I say good luck on that.
More News On South Korea Suspending The Deployment Of The U.S. Missile Defense System Pending An 'Environmental Review'
South Korea Suspends Deployment of US Antimissile System -- New York Times
South Korea halts Thaad anti-missile system rollout -- BBC
South Korea suspends deployment of American missile defense system -- Washington Post
South Korea suspends THAAD deployment -- CNN
South Korea Suspends Missile Shield Deployment, Yonhap Says -- Bloomberg
South Korea Calls For a Halt to the Deployment of U.S. Missiles -- Time
North Korea attempts to split South Korea-US security alliance -- DW
South Korea Tries to Slow Walk THAAD -- VOA
