No need for THAAD if North Korea completely denuclearises
(VOVWORLD) -The deployment of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD) is unnecessary if North Korea reaches its stage of denuclerization and full disarmament, said Harry Harris, the nominee for US ambassador to South Korea.
 Harry Harris, the nominee for US ambassador to South Korea (Photo: REUTERS/Edgar Su/File ) |
The former commander of US Pacific Command (PACOM) told the US Senate Foreign Committee that THAAD is designed to protect against threats from North Korea, not to cope with any threat from China, Russia, or other regions. However, the US must be alert to the nuclear threat from North Korea, Mr. Harris said.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo said North Korea will not see any sanctions relief until the country denuclearises, undercutting Pyongyang’s suggestion that President Donald Trump had agreed to ease economic restrictions against the North.