Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

A question-and-answer session with Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo

and U.S. Defense Minister Ashton Carter during a joint news conference

 

 

 

Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo and U.S. Defense Minister Ashton Carter held a joint news conference on April 10 after the Korea-U.S. defense ministers’ conference, and they have made it clear that there was no discussion about deployment of THAAD (Theater of High Altitude Area Defense Missiles).
The following is a question-and-answer series from the news conference.

 

　▲ There has been a lot of controversy about the deployment of THAAD by the U.S. forces, Korea. Will you deploy THAAD, and if so, when are you going to decide?

 

Minister Carter: It wasn’t included in today’s agenda. It has not been discussed where or which place would be suitable for THAAD since it is still in the production stage. Also, it will be determined when it would be deployed in accordance with the production situation. That’s why I think it’s too early to tell anybody in the world about its deployment.

 

　▲ Are there any signs of North Korea conducting a nuclear test or test-firing the long-range missile?

 

Minister Han: We haven’t confirmed any additional nuclear test or firing of long-range missiles so far or in the near future. However, I see a possibility of provocation based on their behavior, if they don’t achieve any strategic objective.

 

　▲ The Japanese Government has been undermining the relationship between Korea and Japan, asserting its right for Dokdo ownership recently. What can America do to strengthen the cooperation among Korea, the U.S. and Japan?

 

Minister Carter: (During the recent interview with Japanese media) I’ve mentioned an information sharing agreement between the three countries for the future. I meant that the security of those three can be significantly promoted, not looking to the past. We fully understand how sensitive history matters are in the Asia region, and we hope the countries directly involved solve the situation in a healing and reconciliation direction.

 

　▲ You said new weapons in Asia-Pacific region. What plans do you have regarding the Korean Peninsula?

 

Minister Carter: The Stealth Bomber that is in development could be very important in the Asia-Pacific region. We are going to rotate in the new Navy destroyer, and we have F-35 Stealth as well. There are also high-tech weapons systems related to electronic and cyber warfare. Everything will be carried out after close consultation with allies in the Asia-Pacific region including Korea and Japan.

 

　▲ When will the production of THAAD be completed? And please be specific about how to protect the number of American soldiers stationed in Korea and Japan.

 

Minister Carter: It has not yet been decided when to finish the production of THAAD, and only after the production is completed can we make a decision about the possibility of deployment or the number of units. And we are trying to stay one step ahead related to ballistic missiles against the U.S. forces, Korea and the Asia-Pacific region. We have recently added a ground-controlled interception in Alaska for this reason. Also, we are also in cooperation with Korea and Japan for defense.

 

 

By Chul-Hwan, Kim < droid001@dema.mil.kr >

<Copyright ⓒ The Korea Defense Daily, All rights reserved>