Beijing concerned by possible THAAD in Japan
November 28, 2016, 11:28 am

China and Russia have repeatedly opposed the deployment of such an advanced missile system in the Asia-Pacific region saying it would spark an arms race and feed instability [Xinhua]

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang told reporters on Monday that Beijing is concerned about reports that Japan will follow South Korea’s example and install the US missile defense system, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD).

“We hope Japan [will] play a constructive role in boosting regional peace and stability, not to the contrary,” Geng said.

Both China and Russia have also strongly criticized the US decision to deploy the THAAD weapons system in South Korea saying it will ignite a weapons race in the region.

The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, or THAAD, is a response to Pyongyang’s recent ballistic missile tests, South Korea and the US – and now Japan – say.

As one of the most advanced missile defense systems in the world, THAAD can intercept and destroy ballistic missiles inside or just outside the atmosphere during their final phase of flight.

Despite claims by Washington and Seoul that the missile shield would be focused solely on North Korea, Beijing says the US deployment would pose considerable threat to neighboring countries.

Last week, Japan and South Korea inched closer to signing a military intelligence pact to thwart threats from North Korea.

According to Japanese media quoting South Korean military experts, Tokyo will provide satellite imagery and intelligence about North Korea’s transporter erector launcher (TEL). In exchange, South Korea will supply Japan with highly classified information about the North’s missiles detected by long-range air search radar.

Under this accord, titled the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), Seoul and Tokyo will share intelligence on security in the region.

The BRICS Post with inputs from Agencies