S. Korea, US to launch working group on THAAD deployment next week
Updated: 2016-02-25 15:57
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||
A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor is launched during a successful intercept test, in this undated handout photo provided by the US Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency. THAAD provides the US military a land-based, mobile capability to defend against short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, intercepting incoming missiles inside and outside the earth's atmosphere.[Photo/Agencies] |
SEOUL -- South Korea and the United States are expected to launch a joint working group next week to discuss the deployment in the South Korean territory of a sophisticated US missile defense system, Yonhap news agency reported Thursday citing a government source.
The source was quoted as saying that the joint working group would be launched next week due to shortage of time to finish the forming of it within this week.
Preliminary talks between Seoul and Washington have already started to deploy the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) in South Korea. The talks are reportedly discussing various preparations to launch the working group, including who will represent each side.
The joint working group was originally scheduled to be launch on Tuesday, but it was delayed at the request of the US side, according to the report.
Seoul and Washington jointly announced the start of missile defense talks on Feb. 7 when the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) launched a long-range rocket, which the allies see as a prohibited test of ballistic missile technology.
The rocket launch came amid ongoing discussions at the UN Security Council about tougher new sanctions against what Pyongyang claimed was its first H-bomb test on Jan. 6, the fourth of its nuclear detonations.
South Korean Defense Ministry's vice spokesman Nah Seung-Yong told a regularly scheduled press briefing that the US Forces Korea (USFK) command has been preparing with the Seoul ministry to launch the joint working group on behalf of the Pentagon.
After the USFK command completes internal discussion with the US government, the command will make preparatory talks with the Seoul ministry based on the internal conclusion, the vice spokesman said.
The launch of the working group is widely expected to draw anger from neighboring countries, especially China and Russia, as the THAAD's radar covers far beyond the DPRK.
The X-band radar is known to locate missiles as far as 2,000 km, spotting missiles in the territories of China and Russia bordering the DPRK.
- THAAD deployment in ROK to 'directly' impair China's security interests: FM
- China voices opposition to ROK's THAAD deployment plan
- China opposes possible US THAAD deployment in ROK
- Deploying THAAD to Korean Peninsula does more harm than good
- China 'deeply concerned' over discussion on THAAD missile system
- Beijing urges caution as Seoul considers THAAD missile system
- Chinese may pursue Paramount stake
- S. Korea, US to launch working group on THAAD deployment next week
- All bodies of plane crash victims recovered in western Nepal
- UK's Duchess Kate takes part in tennis workshop
- Obama makes last attempt to persuade Congress to close Guantanamo
- Over 110,000 refugees, migrants reach EU by sea
- Adele steals the show at 2016 BRIT Awards
- Elders, children cope alone in village after Spring Festival reunion
- Xiaomi launches Mi 5 in Beijing, Barcelona with an eye on Apple
- Future stars battle intense competition for stardom
- Cuties around the world celebrate Chinese New Year
- Young woman's businesses thrive in rural Jilin
- Seven-year-old village kid cares for her grandparents
- Matters of state
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
8 highlights about V-day Parade |
Glimpses of Tibet: Plateaus, people and faith |
Chinese entrepreneurs remain optimistic despite economic downfall |
50th anniversary of Tibet autonomous region |
Tianjin explosions: Deaths, destruction and bravery |
Cinemas enjoy strong first half |
Today's Top News
What ends Jeb Bush's White House hopes
Investigation for Nicolas's campaign
Will US-ASEAN meeting be good for region?
Accentuate the positive in Sino-US relations
Dangerous games on peninsula will have no winner
National Art Museum showing 400 puppets in new exhibition
Finest Chinese porcelains expected to fetch over $28 million
Monkey portraits by Chinese ink painting masters
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |