South Korea: To THAAD or Not to THAAD?

In the recent years, the South Korean government has maintained their strategically ambiguous stance of 3 Nos on the potential deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.  The 3 No’s – “No request, No consultation and No decision” – meant that there has been no request, no consultation, and no decision with the United States.  Nevertheless, after North Korea conducted a rocket launch on February 7, South Korean President Park Geun-Hye finally broke from her strategic silence and permitted South Korean Ministry of National Defense (MND) to discuss possible deployment of THAAD.  Accordingly, for the first time, both parties held their initial meeting this month to discuss appropriate sites and costs for THAAD.

By taking such aggressive stance against North Korea and ignoring China’s warnings on deployment of the THAAD system, Park and her administration can hope that Xi’s government will finally abandon its traditional opposition of harsh international sanctions against North Korea and use its leverage to deter Kim’s nuclear program.  As Pyongyang’s biggest trade partner and aid supplier, Beijing may be the only country in the world capable of compelling Kim to forsake its nuclear ambitions.  Simply, fielding THAAD will prompt Xi to force Kim Jong-Un to stand down by leveling economic sanctions.

Although there’s no complete defense against North Korea’s ballistic missile attacks, the deployment of THAAD batteries in the Korean Peninsula significantly increases the probability of reducing damages.  Incorporation of the THAAD system into South Korea’s ballistic missile defense provides maximum protection from Kim Jong-Un’s sporadic missile threat, therefore, without reluctance, Park should immediately accept the American offer.

As an ally of the U.S., South Korea is responsible for helping ensure America’s rebalance in the region.  South Korea can rely upon America’s extended deterrence, which guarantees peace and stability; accordingly, South Korea must contribute more in order for America to sustain its dominance in the Pacific.  President Park should not be threatened by China’s blackmail and recognize that THAAD is a purely defensive system and it is an indispensable means of protecting her country against North Korea.

South Korea’s best-ever national ties in history with China have not made any progress against North Korea’s nuclear denuclearization as South Koreans continue to live in constant fear under unrelenting threat from Kim Jong-Un.  The South Korean MND deliberately admits THAAD deployment would improve its national security, but continuously postpones such critical decision alluding to neighboring country’s egocentric demands.  President Park needs to stop postulating that deployment of the THAAD system may restrict her diplomatic position and strategies with Xi.  Instead, President Park should decide according to her country’s security and national interests and not based on neighboring countries’ ultimatums.  Consequently, she should allow the deployment of the U.S. THAAD missile defense system to South Korea instantaneously.

Christopher Lee is an active duty Major in the U.S. Army. He holds a B.S. from West Point and an M.A. from Columbia University. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in International Cooperation from Yonsei University (South Korea). He has served for eight years as an intelligence officer, and is currently serving as a Foreign Area Officer for the Northeast Asia region. Chris can be reached via Twitter @chrislee733. The views expressed are his own and not those of the United States Army or the Department of Defense.