South Korean MPs join residents in opposing THAAD deployment

Politicians in South Korea have joined the residents of a rural town in opposing the planned deployment of an advanced US missile system in their country.

Kim Yong-ho, a lawmaker from the main opposition Minjoo Party, expressed his party’s opposition to the deployment of Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in Seongju.

The system will be installed by the end of next year to defend the country against nuclear and missile threats from North Korea as South Korea and the United States claim.

Kim told China Central Television (CCTV) there has been such a loud opposition against the issue that could leave the government faced with "real problems."

He said over half of his opposition party members are either outrightly opposed to THAAD deployment or concertedly campaigning for reconsideration.

The decision to have the system deployed has been met with opposition both in South Korea as well as outside the country.

China and Russia say the system would threaten security, stability, and peace on the Korean Peninsula and do nothing to help denuclearize the volatile region.

Moscow and Beijing view the planned move as an attempt to put their military facilities within the range of US radars.

Kim criticized the government for its failure to explain the issue to surrounding nations as well as to its own people.

The congressman referred to THAAD deployment as a crucial issue which would raise suspicion among neighbors, saying it should not be left with the defense department for a unilateral decision.

“It's the defense ministry instead of foreign ministry which campaigned for THAAD deployment, without consideration from the standpoint of national diplomacy or strategy,” he said.

“Diplomacy is the centerpiece of national strategy. As it outreaches to nuclear issues, THAAD should not be simply introduced as a tactical weapon.”

He said that the planned deployment would further harm relations between South Korea and China, urging the officials of the two neighboring nations to help lift bilateral ties through dialogue.

“The leaders of both China and South Korea should maintain communications on the basis of mutual trust as only communications benefit both sides. I will also contribute my share of efforts,” said Kim.

On Tuesday, residents of Seongju continued their protest rallies for the 20th consecutive night to voice their discontent over the government's decision.

They have been rallying every night since the government chose the county, about 217 kilometers southeast of the capital Seoul, for the site of deployment on July 13.

Hundreds of demonstrators, among them children and senior citizens, sat quietly in the square in front of the government building under the rain to protest against the deployment of THAAD in their county.

The protesters held up candles to show their concern about the future, urging the government to withdraw its decision to deploy the missile system.

“We will object to THAAD and retrieve our Seongju. I am nearly 90, but I have to sit here for my safety. It is just absurd,” said a protester.

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