President Trump’s envoy for arms control, Marshall Billingslea, was in Seoul on Monday pressuring South Korean officials to host medium-range missiles to counter China.
Citing Russian violations, the US withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019, a Cold War-era treaty with Russia that prohibited the development of medium-range nuclear and ballistic missiles. Since then, Washington has been looking to deploy missiles banned under the INF in Asia.
In an interview with South Korean media before his trip, Billingslea said the purpose of his visit was to discuss “the rapid Chinese build-up of nuclear weapons and ballistic and conventional missiles.” The envoy also said he had “additional intelligence to share with our ally regarding the Chinese programs.”
Shortly after the US pulled out of the INF, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said he would like to see land-based INF-range missiles in Asia “sooner rather than later.” Lee Sang-Hyun, an analyst from the South Korean think tank Sejong Institute, explained to This Week in Asia that South Korea has no interest in hosting these types of missiles.
“South Korea has little appetite for the US deployment of INF-type missiles,” Lee said. He explained that when the US deployed the THAAD defense system to South Korea in 2017, China saw it as a direct threat and retaliated against Seoul with economic measures, effects they are still feeling today.
“THAAD repercussions would pale in comparison with possible retaliations from China against the South’s acceptance of INF-type missiles,” Lee said. Regardless of South Korea’s willingness to accept INF missiles, the deployment would not happen for a long time since the US is still developing land-based capabilities.
It is mighty convenient for US to use other countries as firing outposts, that would have to be taken out in case of any conflict.
Being free from such threatening weapons is the only security. But there are always knuckleheads and money-motivated to justify such obvious security hazards.
Placing nukes in Korea, Romania, Poland — a nice way to insure they are stricken first, to allow US homeland to deflect second strikes.
A bit dated strategy in the light of supersonic— but it is still the only game in town.
The US not only suffers from an extreme case of tunnel vision but at the same time can’t see beyond its nose. The future dictates cooperation with China with mutual benefits for all, not threatening and preparing for war with China where the whole world looses. China only wants the respect and security she deserves and we in the US don’t seem to understand that.
“South Korea has little appetite for the US deployment of INF-type missiles,” Lee said. He explained that when the US deployed the THAAD defense system to South Korea in 2017, China saw it as a direct threat and retaliated against Seoul with economic measures, effects they are still feeling today.”
Like we give a rat’s ass.