Former Commander Abrams: "China Cannot Explain THAAD's Security Infringement"

Robert Abrams, Commander of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command, is delivering a welcome and farewell address at the 'ROK-US Combined Forces Command Deputy Commander Change of Command Ceremony' held on the 23rd at the ROK-US Combined Forces Command in Yongsan, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Former Commander of United States Forces Korea Robert Abrams has rebutted China's opposition to THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense). He stated that the claim that it undermines China's strategic security interests has yet to be justified.

On the 11th (local time), Abrams, who was asked for commentary by Radio Free Asia (RFA), said, "The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs should clearly explain how defense systems like THAAD deployed in South Korea infringe upon China's strategic security interests," adding, "China has yet to justify this claim."

In particular, he argued, "Rather, China should say that its new radar installed in the east targeting South Korea and the long-range missiles deployed in the Northern Theater Command, which keep South Korea within range, pose a threat to South Korean security."

He also criticized the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson's claim that South Korea has publicly expressed not only the 'Three No's' (no additional THAAD deployment, no participation in U.S. missile defense, and no participation in the ROK-U.S.-Japan military alliance) but also the 'One Han,' which refers to operational restrictions on the already deployed THAAD.

Former Commander Abrams said, "It is interesting that the Chinese Foreign Ministry's statements do not align with those of the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs," adding, "For important national issues discussed at the highest levels between countries, joint statements explaining the discussions and agreements are usually issued."

However, he pointed out, "Since THAAD was deployed in 2017, China has continued to pressure South Korea to abandon its right to self-defense without any such joint statements."

Former Commander Abrams revealed that he was never restricted in operating THAAD during his tenure. In response to the question, "Did you ever face restrictions from the South Korean government in operating THAAD during your tenure?" he answered, "From 2018 to 2021, while serving as the Commander of United States Forces Korea, the THAAD system was fully capable of performing its defensive mission to intercept incoming ballistic missiles and protect South Korean people and infrastructure."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.