South Korea rebuffs Trump's $1 billion use-charge for a US missile-defense system

(The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.Thomson Reuters) President Donald Trump hinted at stipulations for the US deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system that is being activated in South Korea.
Trump said that he wanted South Korea to pay for the anti-missile defense system, which he estimates to cost $1 billion, and also intended to renegotiate or terminate a free-trade pact with the country because of a "deep trade decificit," Reuters reported.
When asked when he planned on renegotiating the "horrible" trade agreement, he said, "Very soon. I'm announcing it now."
However, South Korea's defense ministry rebuffed Trump's remarks, saying that there was no shift in the "basic position" and that the US should pay the cost of installing and operating the THAAD, as stated in the Status of Forces Agreement, Yonhap News reported on Friday. The defense ministry reiterated that South Korea merely provides land and supporting facilities for the THAAD.
The controversial defense system has been met with opposition not only in South Korea, but in neighboring North Korea and China as well. Several key South Korean politicians view the THAAD not as a defensive measure for their country, but as a liability for further provocations and a step back from a possible reunification with North Korea. China, on the other hand, worries that it would destabilize regional security, based upon the reported 2,000 km (1,200 mile) range of the THAAD.

The system is expected to be operational "within days.

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

Comments

Chinese Troops Participate in Pakistan’s Republic Day Parade

ISLAMABAD — A grand annual military parade marking Pakistan’s Republic Day has for the first time involved Chinese troops, underscoring Beijing’s increasingly strong partnership with Islamabad. The Pakistan military displayed its conventional and nuclear-capable weapons at Thursday’s parade in the capital, where security was extremely tight. Authorities blocked cellular phone networks to deter militants, who have often used mobile phone signals to trigger bombs. Pakistan Day commemorates March 23, 1940, when a resolution was passed to demand the establishment of a separate homeland to protect Muslims in the then British colony of India. Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain arrives to attend a military parade to mark Pakistan's Republic Day in Islamabad, Pakistan, March 23, 2017. Addressing the nationally televised event, President Mamnoon Hussain thanked China for sending a 90-member contingent of the People’s Liberation Army to the parade, saying the Chinese ...

Ranking the World's Most Iconic Football Stadiums

The world's top football stadiums are more than just venues for games; they're iconic representations of a team's heritage and character. Here are a few of the most renowned stadiums: 1. Wembley Stadium (London, England): This legendary venue has hosted some of the biggest games in football history, including the 1966 World Cup Final and the 2011 Champions League Final. Its impressive arch and excellent acoustics make it a standout stadium. 2. Allianz Arena (Munich, Germany): This modern stadium is known for its sleek design and vibrant atmosphere. Its exterior shell changes color depending on the team playing, making it a unique and recognizable landmark. 3. Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid, Spain): As the home stadium of Real Madrid, Santiago Bernabéu is a symbol of the team's success and legacy. Its excellent acoustics, modern design, and electric atmosphere make it a must-visit for any football fan. 4. Signal Iduna Park (Dortmund, Germany): This stadium is famous for its...

We Will Ensure Things are Done Faithfully in This Government – Prof. Osinbajo

Laolu Akande, Abuja: The Buhari administration, in line with its Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, would continue to ensure the implementation of policies to drive socio-economic growth and prosperity, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN. Prof. Osinbajo stated this today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, when he received a delegation from the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). “I think that no one is in doubt that we have very great policies and we will ensure that these things are implemented and are done as faithfully as possible,” he said. The Vice President further said that the private sector in Nigeria will continue to play a prominent role in the economic programmes and initiatives of the Buhari administration. He noted the significance of private sector investment in the economy, adding that collaboration between the Federal Government and the private sector will further boost the country’s economic progress. According to Prof. Osinbajo, ...

uchendu

Search This Blog