South Korea: Deployment of US Missile Defense System Completed

On Thursday morning, September 7, the South Korean Ministry of Defense announced that the installation of the "THAAD" system in the country has been completed. Simultaneously, reports emerged of the US's efforts for stricter sanctions against North Korea and a report of a "counter-sudden attack" drill near Korea by the Chinese military. The advanced "THAAD" system, whose installation was delayed after the presidential elections in South Korea, accelerated following missile tests and ultimately the sixth nuclear test by North Korea. On Thursday morning, four additional launchers were installed. According to reports from South Korea, early Thursday, "US forces in Korea" transported four more systems from the entire air defense to Seongju, and while violent protests occurred at the site, the installation was completed. Seongju is located 300 kilometers south of Seoul. The South Korean Ministry of Defense stated that it would consult with "relevant" neighboring countries regarding US defense. Although no specific country was mentioned, the ministry's reference is to Russia and China, which have strongly protested the installation of the system. Beijing has also taken initial retaliatory actions against South Korea, including restrictions on trade related to vehicles and group travel of Chinese tourists to South Korea. The South Korean Ministry of Defense stated that it cannot yet specify the exact operational readiness time of the launchers. Protests have also occurred at the location of the "THAAD" launchers, with "dozens" reported injured by the Associated Press. Protesters are concerned that the location of the "THAAD" launchers could become a potential target for a possible North Korean attack. The "THAAD" missile defense system serves as a shield against ballistic missiles, with each unit costing over $750 million. This system is capable of intercepting short-range or medium-range ballistic missiles in the final phase of launch. South Korea has been seeking information about this system since 2013. Discussions for its installation began last winter. It is said that China is concerned that the radars of this advanced system could monitor its territory. The US has denied this, stating that the defense system is purely defensive. The US is seeking stricter sanctions Reuters reports that based on a draft proposal from the US that has been seen by the agency, Washington is attempting to impose stricter sanctions against Pyongyang through the Security Council. According to these reports, the sanctions are expected to include oil, textile exports, and even the hiring of North Korean workers abroad. The United States is also working to freeze assets related to Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, and prevent his foreign travels. Nikki Haley, the US representative to the UN, has called for Security Council members to vote on new sanctions on Monday. However, Vasily Nebenzya, the Russian ambassador, stated that voting on Monday is "a bit premature." It is still unclear whether the proposed sanctions draft has the support of China. Previously, Vladimir Putin had stated that "increased sanctions against North Korea would yield negative results." Haley is in discussions with her Russian and Chinese counterparts. Drill "Counter-Sudden Attack" in China A recent report from China indicates that the country's air force conducted a military drill on Tuesday aimed at preparing for a "sudden attack" near the Korean Peninsula. The website "81" affiliated with the People's Liberation Army of China reported that this military exercise took place in the Bohai Sea, adjacent to the Yellow Sea surrounding the Korean Peninsula. Military forces were transferred from central China to its east, and a simulated exercise was immediately initiated to counter a "sudden attack." According to the "81" website, "the rapid response of the army's forces, capabilities, and battle readiness stages were effectively tested." A weapon, which was not named, was also tested for the "first time" to prevent the entry of "low-flying targets" during this exercise. This military drill occurred shortly after missile tests and the sixth nuclear test by North Korea; the Chinese Ministry of Defense stated on its website that there was no specific target or country in mind during the exercise and that these drills are "part of annual preparations."