The US’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence system, stationed in South Korea, has reignited long-lasting objections from China. The controversy was freshly stirred up by a recent overnight operation which saw new interceptor missiles being brought into the American base in South Korea.
Understanding THAAD
THAAD, short for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, is a ground-based, transportable, anti-ballistic missile defence system that was first proposed in 1987 and finally deployed in 2008. Specifically designed for defense purposes, the THAAD system cannot be utilized to attack an enemy. Its primary function is to detect and eliminate short and medium-range ballistic missiles during their final flight phase. The system relies on information provided by both space-based and ground-based surveillance stations to identify incoming missiles and assess the risk level.
This missile defence system is a product of the USA company, Lockheed Martin, and has been stationed in several locations around the world including the United Arab Emirates, Guam, Israel, and Romania.
Background and Motivation for Deployment in South Korea
The deployment of THAAD in South Korea was primarily a measure to prevent potential attacks from North Korea, particularly focusing on the threat posed by ballistic missiles. In 2017, North Korea fired several missiles in the direction of US bases in Japan, prompting the relocation of the missile system to an army base in Osan, South Korea. The move sparked considerable objection from China and subsequently strained diplomatic ties between the nations.
South Korea uses THAAD as a necessary shield against nuclear threats from North Korea. Both the US and South Korea maintain that the sole purpose of THAAD in South Korea is to deter possible attacks from North Korea.
China’s Concerns
China’s objections to THAAD don’t lie primarily with the missiles but instead with the advanced radar systems included within the defence mechanism. These systems have the ability to track China’s actions, a cause of significant unease for Beijing. The US’s presence and influence in East Asia through its military bases in Japan and South Korea disrupt the geopolitical dynamics and introduce complexities to various ongoing conflicts in the region.
Repercussions on South Korea
The deployment of THAAD has had economic consequences for South Korea. Operations of several large South Korean businesses such as LG, Lotte, and Samsung were impacted, leading to shutdowns of unrelated institutions like golf courses and malls. The tourism industry has suffered drastically due to a slump in tourists visiting from China, a significant blow to South Korea’s economy.
Additionally, the entertainment industry was hit hard with concerts, shows, and other commercial ventures in China being forced to cancel. Other sectors like cosmetics and personal care products, hugely popular in China, were affected due to calls for boycotting South Korean products. The deployment also led to protests in South Korea, igniting concerns about peace and security in the region.
Way Forward
A possible solution could be for China to acknowledge that the primary cause of tension on the Korean Peninsula is North Korea’s pursuit of offensive weapons, rather than the deployment of defensive systems in South Korea. Such an acknowledgement could strengthen regional partnerships and pave the way for diplomatic discussions.
