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The idea of using THAAD as deterrent against North Korea, fraud: Commentator

Saturday, 14 January 2017 4:46 PM [ Last Update: Saturday, 14 January 2017 4:46 PM ]

This file photo shows the launch of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile during a test.

The United States’ decision to install an advanced missile system in South Korea has sparked a lot of controversy. The US has received South Korea’s approval to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system on Korean territory with the declared objective of countering ‘potential threats’ from North Korea. China and Russia, however, oppose the installation of the system and perceive it as a direct threat against themselves. The plan has also triggered widespread protests in South Korea.

Mike Billington, Asia desk, Executive Intelligence Review, believes the idea that the THAAD missile system is useful as a deterrent against North Korea is a “fraud”, adding that Russia and China are absolutely right to be concerned about it.

“North Korea is 30 miles away from Seoul so they will not use high altitude missiles and the THAAD missiles are not going to help in defending against North Korea,” the analyst told Press TV in an interview on Saturday.

“The expanded radar [system] that goes with the THAAD missiles penetrates deeply in both Chinese and Russian territory which undermines the strategic balance [in the region],” he added.

The commentator further stated that US President Barack Obama has been using Korea as part of his war plans against Russia and China, arguing that he is making every effort to be “provocative” in his final days as president.

However, he predicted that US President-elect Donald Trump will end this “insane threat of military confrontation and possible war” with China and Russia when he takes office.

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