THAAD
A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptor is launched during a successful intercept test, in this undated handout photo provided by the U.S. Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency. REUTERS/U.S. Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency/Handout via Reuters

North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats are “clear existential threats” and deployment of a U.S. anti-ballistic missile is “a self-defensive measure” to counter that danger, South Korea’s Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn said Monday. He also said that the instalment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system should not be delayed despite China’s opposition.

Washington and Seoul are planning to install the THAAD system in South Korea by the end of this year.

"[North Korea] has been expanding its nuclear capabilities and developing the technology to create nuclear weapons. They are also miniaturizing nuclear weapons," Hwang said. "Right now is not the time to talk to try to resolve North Korea's nuclear issues."

Hwang also said that the THAAD deployment is necessary to “protect national security.”

"The deployment of the THAAD is a self-defensive measure that is absolutely needed to protect national security and the people's lives," Hwang said.

Last July, South Korea and the U.S. agreed to deploy THAAD in the Korean Peninsula. However, the move elicited strong criticism from China, which has cited security reasons as causes for its concern. According to China, the THAAD system could be used to supervise its missile launches as far inland as Xian in the northwest. Beijing has reportedly imposed several economic measures to put further pressure on Seoul to stop the instalment.

On Thursday, Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) said that China is “bullying” South Korea over decision to deploy THAAD.

“Meanwhile, China is escalating its campaign of economic retaliation against South Korea for the joint alliance decision to deploy the THAAD missile defense system … Actions speak louder than words. If China believes in free trade and has genuine concerns about the deployment of THAAD in South Korea, it should cease its attempts to undermine South Korea’s sovereign ability to defend itself and use its considerable influence to pressure North Korea to stop its destabilizing behavior,” the senator said.

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