South Korea President Faces Looming N.Korean Missile Threat As Chinese Relations Put In Jeopardy
South Korea President Moon Jae-In is facing quite a dilemma after North Korea deployed a new test missile which could complicate matters between them and their ally countries. It hasn't even been weeks yet since Moon Jae-In was appointed as the country's next leader and he's already facing a monumental challenge ahead of him.
Not too long ago, Moon expressed his openness when it comes to discussing matters with their rival country's leader Kim Jong-Un. However, recent events orchestrated by North Korea themselves has led South Korea president Moon to a more sticky situation.
According to AP, North Korea launched a test ballistic missile that reached high altitude levels but eventually landed on the Sea of Japan. This new missile test raised a lot of concern towards South Korea President Moon and the neighboring countries as well. It's reported that this is the seventh time North Korea launched a test missile, in this year alone.
What makes the military testing so alarming is that North Korea hopes to master the technology behind creating even longer-ranged nuclear-tipped missiles. This forces the newly-minted South Korea President in a situation where he would need to utilize the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System.
Doing so would mean going against the wishes of their key ally country China since the Chinese military doesn't approve of the THAAD's presence in South Korea. According to WHIG, South Korea President Moon is planning to discuss the matter with Chinese leader Xi Jinping but might only end up soothing China momentarily instead of resolving the situation.
Regardless, the threat of North Korea's missile tests continues to worry other countries such as Japan, who called the recent missile test launch "absolutely unacceptable." Even the White House released a statement following the recent missile launch as they described North Korea as being a "menace for far too long." While the recent missile testing is causing ripples in other countries, it's also placing a lot more pressure on South Korea President Moon's shoulders. Despite expressing "deep regret" for North Korea's recent "reckless provocation", newly-appointed leader Moon is still open for a discussion with North Korea.
