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China, Russia work out 'countermeasures' against THAAD deployment in S Korea

Friday, 13 January 2017 8:19 AM [ Last Update: Friday, 13 January 2017 8:30 AM ]

This file, handout image shows the launch of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile during a test. (Via AFP)

China and Russia have reportedly agreed to take new "countermeasures" against the United States’ decision to install an advanced missile system in South Korea.

Beijing and Moscow’s plan “will be aimed at safeguarding the interests of China and Russia and the strategic balance in the region,” China’s state news agency Xinhua reported on Friday.

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, have been opposed to the installation of the system and perceive it as directed against themselves. They oppose the US’s boosting of its military in the region and say the THAAD missiles would disrupt the equilibrium of power.

“China and Russia urged the United States and South Korea to address their security concerns and stop the deployment of THAAD on the Korean Peninsula,” Xinhua said, but to no avail.

South Korea has recently been complaining that it has been subjected to “indirect” Chinese retaliation over its consent for the US deployment, including in the field of aerial transport.

The finalization of plans for the system’s deployment has also triggered many protests within South Korea itself.

Meanwhile, Pyongyang announced this week that it was prepared to test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of striking the US mainland, saying Washington’s hostile posture toward North Korea prompted it to develop such missiles.

Pyongyang has been attempting to strengthen its military capability to protect itself from the threat posed by the presence of US forces in the region.

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