'THAAD is needed to force North Korea to the negotiating table'

(Baonghean.vn) - The deployment of the US missile defense system in South Korea is necessary to protect the country from North Korean provocations and also to force Pyongyang back to the negotiating table.

That was the statement made by an official in the Blue House – the South Korean President's office – on September 8th.

The US THAAD missile defense system was deployed at a golf course in Seongju, South Korea in June. Photo: AP

The official also affirmed that Seoul understands China's objections, but will continue to persuade Beijing to understand the need to increase pressure on Pyongyang.

"North Korea's nuclear test is currently being scrutinized very carefully by the international community, and we believe there is no alternative but to participate in international efforts to sanction North Korea under the current conditions," Yonhap quoted the unnamed official as saying.

The source added, "As President Moon Jae-in has stated, our ultimate goal is to resolve the nuclear issue through peaceful and diplomatic means, but we believe that the most important thing right now is to put pressure on North Korea to enter the dialogue table."

China claims that the U.S. missile defense system could be used to spy on its military activities. Photo: Yonhap

Earlier, North Korea conducted its sixth and most likely its strongest nuclear test to date on September 3rd.

Seoul responded by deploying four more launchers to complete the THAAD system, drawing strong protests from China – an ally of Pyongyang – which argues that the US missile defense system could be used to spy on its military activities.

"We believe the issue with China must be resolved through dialogue," the Blue House official affirmed.

He added: "The government's position at this time is that it is crucial to prevent North Korea from conducting any further nuclear or missile provocations."

Thu Giang

(According to Yonhap)