South Korea relies on U.S. THAAD for protection admist Pyongyang missile tests

Immediately after North Korea tested its new type of cruise missile, South Korea formally agrees the pending deal with the U.S. over the THAAD installation. The deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system became a huge issue when new South Korean President Moon Jae-In revealed that he wasn't aware of the entirety of the installation deal. However, all were put aside after Pyongyang tested a batch of four cruise missiles into the Korean peninsula.

What is the position taken by the new South Korean President over the THAAD system?

In a press briefing, South Korean National Security Head Chung Eui-yong stated that Moon's administration has no intention of changing anything that is promised under the U.S. - Korean alliance. He also added that the South Korean government relies on the deployment of Thaad to help in protecting the country from possible strikes coming from North Korea.

The reported Seoul's acceptance of the THAAD deal was broadcast by the Yonhap network, saying that the decision to install THAAD was to protect South Korea and the U.S.

forces. This decision will not be easily changed just because of a change in government.

Many South Korean citizens are unhappy with the deployment of the THAAD system. Some say that the U.S. is simply reinforcing its strength in South Korea with the deployment of THAAD under the guise of mutual defense.

What is the position made by the United States over Pyongyang's missile tests?

The U.S. State Department issued an meeting agenda between Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson that the actions of North Korea justifies the installation of the THAAD system and that it is needed to protect U.S. forces, its allies and to strengthen the region.

Japan on the other hand, began to exert more military support for the coalition against North Korea.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed with the U.S. to enforce stricter sanctions on North Korea, a move that angered Pyongyang to the point of refusing humanitarian aid coming from South Korea in protest against the sanctions.

The tension in North Korea is growing worse every month as the missile development is gaining pace. U.S. President Donald Trump said that he will not allow North Korea to gain the capability of striking the United States with a nuclear tipped ICBM. A preemptive strike may be the only solution to end the North's belligerence, an eventuality that may pit the United States with Pyongyang's only ally, China.