Mattis: We Will Definitely Discuss Missile Defense System with South Korea

James Mattis, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, emphasized upon his arrival in Seoul on February 3 that he will "definitely" discuss the missile defense system to counter North Korea's nuclear and military programs with South Korean officials. Initial discussions and agreements for establishing the missile defense system known as THAAD in South Korea date back to the presidency of Barack Obama. Beijing strongly opposes the establishment of this defense system, with the U.S. stating that it is intended to protect its citizens and allies in Asia. Chinese officials argue that components of the system, such as its radars, could be used for surveillance and espionage against their territory. Meanwhile, U.S.-China relations have been overshadowed by criticisms from President Donald Trump and reactions from Chinese media and officials since his presidency began. Mattis's visit to Seoul comes at a time when the likelihood of another North Korean ballistic missile test has increased. Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, stated during his New Year speech that his country is preparing to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile. Mattis is also scheduled to meet and discuss with South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, who is currently the acting president following the impeachment of Park Geun-hye due to corruption scandals and widespread protests in South Korea. U.S. officials have emphasized that this first trip by a Trump administration defense secretary to Asia aims to reassure its key allies in the East, Japan and South Korea, which host nearly 80,000 U.S. military personnel and some of the most important military and air bases outside the U.S. Trump, the 45th U.S. president, had previously suggested ideas such as requiring allies to contribute more to the costs of the U.S. military and even allowing countries like Japan and South Korea to have their own nuclear weapons for self-defense against China and North Korea instead of relying on U.S. nuclear umbrella. South Korea and Japan have implemented restrictions on military and missile technology in exchange for U.S. military support. Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan, was the first foreign leader to meet with Trump after his election victory. In this context, the White House has warned Beijing about its actions in the South China Sea, and U.S. and Saudi defense ministers have emphasized countering Iran's "interventionist actions" in the Middle East. The "Freedom House" has warned about the influence and impact of the governments of Russia, China, and Iran.