US plans to deploy anti-missile defense system in South Korea
Asia-Pacific, News February 25, 2015 1 Comment on US plans to deploy anti-missile defense system in South KoreaAfter South Korea’s largest arms purchase in history – $7 billion for forty U.S. fighter jets – Seoul is being pressured to deploy more U.S. arms. THAAD – Terminal High Altitude Area Defense is the billion-dollar anti-missile defense system U.S. officials target for deployment on the Korean Peninsula. Experts have reservations.
South Korean and American officials flip-flopped on the nature of negotiations, seeking to keep the sensitive issue out of the spotlight. Seoul’s challenge lies in its position as the so-called shrimp between two whales.
South Korea’s military alliance with America marks a steady source of friction with the South Korean public. One such flashpoint is Jeju Island, where a growing new navy base represents a likely anti-missile installation. In both the diplomatic and domestic spheres, Seoul confronts opposition.
China recently became South Korea’s largest trading partner with the two states set to sign a Free Trade Agreement this week. Yet the United States remains Seoul’s main ally and linchpin of its national security, with 28,000 U.S. troops in the country.
As the U.S. pivots to Asia amid China’s rise, South Korea continues to face a delicate balancing act.
Frank Smith – Press TV, Seoul
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