Francina Luna

Mr. Low

Debate Class

20 September 2017

Against THAAD

The missile defense system has been one of the main controversial topics that needs to be

solved against. The name of the missile defense system is called “Terminal High Altitude Area

Defense” (THAAD). North and South Korea are currently invoking threats and attacks across the

zone (DMZ) that separates both countries from one another. THAAD is a system that manages

radars to track ballistic missiles and intercepts as they are launched, and destroy missiles before

it reaches its set target. However, this system of missile should be disapproved because it has

negative effects on the economy, it is not efficient, and hurts the United States’ relationship with

China.

Allowing THAAD to be deployed against North Korea will emerge negative effects on

the economy. Populations are partly concerned about the future economic relations that have

been productive for decades. China has been voluntarily taking action against Korean products.

“Chinese citizens, among whom a sense of nationalism is strong, have also taken up the anti

THAAD mantle, protesting and boycotting South Korean businesses”(businessinsider.) The

company Lotte stores of South Korea that are located in China were shut down by their

authorities whom stated that the outlets violated the fire-safety regulations. In result of this, the

producer of one of China’s most popular snack and others, removed their goods from Lotte

stores. Tourism is another way THAAD negatively affects the economy due to China’s

disagreement with the system. “China is pressuring travel agencies there to stop selling group
trip packages to South Korea.(businessinsider.) Lastly, North Korea’s business is suffering, as

Hyundai (one of the world’s biggest automaker.) has been halted in China’s biggest overseas

market. However, this is a two way matter, constant decrease in production, means less labor for

employees.

THAAD does not protect South Korea. In fact, “U.S. missile defense systems are

dangerous precisely because they enable preemptive nuclear strike. It is why in 1972, the U.S.

and the Soviet Union signed the Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM Treaty), which limited the

development of missile defense by both countries.”(Koreaexpose.) THAAD will also not protect

South Korean citizens, since the system is designed to go higher than forty five kilometers, but

North Korea are shorter-ranged that would fly below forty five. In addition to that, the THAAD

system is proved to only cover 120 degrees at a time, therefore, North Korea could crash the

system by deploying a submarine launched ballistic system. One last thing regarding the safety

of the country, civilians became concerned about the electromagnetic radiation emitted by

THAAD harming their health and crops.

The THAAD deployment hurts the relations between the countries involved. According

to CNN, “the THAAD deployment has already caused tensions inside South Korea and hurt the

country’s relations with China. Trump’s comments are likely to further complicate the situation.”

An example of one of Trump’s comments that could lead to more conflict is the following: “We

are going to protect them, but they should foot the bill for a $1 billion U.S. missile defense

system” (cnn.com.) The professor at Yonsei University in Seoul also added that “it is shameless

for the U.S. to ask South Korea to pay for THAAD given that they are deploying it not only to

protect South Koreans, but also Americans in South Korea, American Territory and for the
security”(CNN.) Lastly, Trump informed reuters of South Korea that he will end or possibly

negotiate the free trade pact between the two countries. The reason behind this, is still unknown.

In order to prevent harm to the economy, protect South Korea, and prevent any harm to relations

between the United States and China.

REBUTTALS

● Safety/They prevent deaths.

-THAAD does not cover Soeul which is the most dense in population numbers.

-”Civilians near South Korean Battery test site (North Gyeongsang Province) claim that the

unit’s radar is harmful to their health.” http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/thaad-south-koreas-

best-defence-against-missile-attack/

● Targets missiles and altitude is enough to not cause any damage.

-Designed to go higher than 45 km., but the North Korean missiles fly under that number.

-concerned about the electromagnetic radiation emitted by THAAD harming their health and

crops.

● It has succeeded

-“South Korea’s indigenous missile defense efforts are developing too slowly to counter North

Korean progress, and that could put U.S. Forces in Korea at risk.”

https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottasnyder/2017/06/11/south-koreas-decision-to-halt-thaad-

carries-hidden-risks/1

Works Cited

https://www.voanews.com/a/china-means-business-in-economic-challenge-over-thaad/3768596
http://money.cnn.com/2017/08/30/news/economy/china-hyundai-south-korea-thaad/index.html

http://koreaexpose.com/thaad-missile-defense-no-help-korea/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottasnyder/2017/06/11/south-koreas-decision-to-halt-thaad-

carries-hidden-risks/#49e9f2a0429a