The US, Japan and South Korea discuss strategy after North Korea’s latest missile test launch
The United States and South Korea agreed Thursday to proceed with the deployment of an advanced U. S. missile defense system that has angered China, a day after North Korea’s latest test launch drew condemnation across the volatile region.
Leaders and senior officials from the United States, South Korea and Japan spoke Thursday to discuss the latest provocation from Pyongyang, hours before U. S. President Donald Trump begins a summit with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
Analysts have said Wednesday’s launch of a ballistic missile from North Korea’s east coast probably took place with the summit in mind as the reclusive state presses ahead with its missile and nuclear programs in defiance of United Nations resolutions and sanctions.
THAAD moves forward
Trump’s national security adviser, H. R. McMaster, agreed in a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on the need to proceed with the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea after Wednesday’s launch.
South Korea and the United States say the sole purpose of the advanced THAAD system is to defend against missile launches from North Korea. However, China says the system’s powerful radar could penetrate into its territory.
Despite angry opposition from Beijing, the United States started to deploy the first elements of its advanced anti-missile defense system in South Korea last month.
South Korean officials said McMaster spoke with his counterpart in Seoul, Kim Kwan-jin, Thursday morning to discuss the North’s missile launch and the Trump-Xi summit.
