June 4, 2017

"Editor's Note:

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has ordered an investigation into the secret arrival of four undisclosed launchers for the controversial US THAAD anti-missile system after the Defense Ministry failed to inform him about it. The president ordered an inquiry into who is accountable for this decision. Although the facts remain unconfirmed, there is already a prevailing view that this could lead to a complete personnel reshuffle and institutional reforms in the military. Will this change the fate of THAAD system? What kind of pressure will Moon face if he chooses to accept or withdraw the contentious system? Global Times reporter Ma Linna interviewed two scholars on this issue.

Li Dunqiu, expert of the Korean Peninsula issue at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

Moon had a wavering attitude on the THAAD issue during the election campaign, which was mainly due to his fear of losing votes for going too far. Based on the performance of Moon's administration in recent days, Moon continues to attach great importance to public opinion.

Although the public has been dissatisfied with the previous deployment of two launchers for the anti-missile system, an anti-THAAD campaign on a national level has yet to occur. As a result, Moon has not declared a clear and decisive withdrawal of THAAD since assuming power."

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http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1049911.shtml