China Prepares For Battle
Chinese Ship | Photo Credit People’s Daily China In response to THAAD deployment, China will begin weapons testing with live fire drills. These staged drills are meant to test new weapons and to make sure national security is ready for any attack, said the Defense Ministry.
This news came about after the United States THAAD anti-missile system was deployed to South Korea. Beijing is “resolutely opposed” to the THAAD system and what it stands for.
Defense spokesman Yang Yujan told reporters, “The deployment of the THAAD anti-missile system is South Korea damages the regional strategic balance and stability.”
Beijing Speaks Out Against THAAD System
THAAD Defense | Photo Credit Newsline
Reuters reports:
“Beijing has long spoken out against THAAD over fears it will undermine its own deterrence capabilities. A March editorial in the state-run Global Times newspaper said Washington should “pay the price” for the deployment of the system, which it said was “on China’s front door.”
“However, the US insists the system is for purely defensive purposes, against any potential attacks from Pyongyang. US Admiral Harry Harris told Congress on Wednesday that it “poses no threat to China.”
“THAAD, which was moved onto a golf course in Seongji, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, on Tuesday, is designed to intercept short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal flight phase. It is equipped with long-range radar and is believed to be capable of intercepting North Korea’s intermediate-range ballistic missiles.”
THAAD Operational In South Korea
THAAD Defense | Photo Credit Missile Defense Agency
UPI reports:
“On Thursday, Seoul’s defense ministry confirmed THAAD was operational, a day after missile defense parts were relocated to its designated site in Seongju, central South Korea, local television network JTBC reported.”
“The report confirms a statement from Adm. Harry Harris, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, who told the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday THAAD will be operational “in the coming days.”
