Closer talks can resolve THAAD issue

No big development in the short term

Even though China has been strongly opposing the installation of THAAD, the ROK is not likely to completely remove the anti-missile system. But the THAAD deployment process will not proceed easily either. The resistance of the ROK people, particularly Seongju residents, to THAAD has become the biggest problem for the ROK government. The Seongju residents are worried that the system would damage the environment and raise the risk of war. The talks between the ROK Defense Ministry and the resident-protesters broke down on April 11 delaying the construction work. The fact is that not only ROK citizens but also members of the international community have criticized Seoul for THAAD's deployment.

THAAD has also compromised the DPRK's national security. In agreeing to install THAAD, Park Geun-hye ignored the people's will. And since Moon won the people's support by doubting the legitimacy of THAAD, he should take measures to at least delay THAAD's deployment.

Seoul and Beijing should work together to delay, if not stop, the deployment of THAAD for mutual interest and, more importantly, for restoring peace on the peninsula. Besides, the Moon administration should try to honor the decision of the National Assembly that ROK-DPRK talks be made regular to raise the chances of slowing down THAAD's deployment.

But whether THAAD's deployment will be delayed or abandoned also depends on the outcome of proposed US-DPRK talks in May. If the talks yield positive results, the THAAD system is more likely to be deployed at a slower pace.

Wu Jingjing, an associate researcher in Asia-Pacific studies at the China Institute of International Studies