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The Australian/WSJ: South Korea warms to missile shield after North’s nuclear tests
South Korea is leaning towards introducing an advanced US missile defence system to guard itself against threats from North Korea following Pyongyang’s nuclear test three weeks ago, a bulwark strongly opposed by China.
Current and former US officials who have recently spoken with top South Korean policymakers say the country has not decided whether to adopt the system the US has offered, but that informal talks between Washington and Seoul had been elevated recently.
One American official said there was a strong chance the US could announce that the two countries are in negotiations over the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system, or Thaad, in the next week or so.
A former US official who recently met with senior South Korean officials said a consensus appeared to be forming in Seoul.
“Behind the scenes it looks like Thaad is close to a done deal,” this person said.
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WNU Editor: The Chinese would not be happy with this type of deployment .... South Korea THAAD deployment raises China concerns (UPI). More here .... China grows anxious about possible THAAD in Korea (Korea Times).
More News On Reports That South Korea May Approve The Deployment Of A U.S. Missile Defense System
North Korea missile site activity revives talk of U.S. missile defence in South -- Reuters
Korea says THAAD 'helpful' to security -- Korea Times
US missile defence can enhance South Korea's security -- Straits Times
Deployment of US Defense System to Increase South Korea's Security -- Sputnik
THAAD: The Moment of Decision Has Arrived -- Sungtae Jacky Park, The National