CRI听力:South Korean congressman opposes THAAD deployment

Kim Yong-ho, a congressman from South Korea's Minjoo party, has built his opposition around the perceived failure of the South Korean government to thoroughly explain the placement of the THAAD system to neighboring countries and the nations citizens.

He says that over half of his opposition party members are either outright opposed to THAAD deployment or are campaigning for reconsideration.

As a China scholar in the political circle of South Korea, Congressman Kim cites the China-South Korea relationship as a demonstration of how THAAD deployment can do more harm than good.

"Chinese media have recently expressed many objections and oppositions to the THAAD deployment. What I'm worried about, is that some reports may cause resentment towards South Koreans on the part of Chinese people and vice versa. The mutual trust between the two countries could be damaged by THAAD."

He appealed to the leaders of the two countries to help lift their bilateral relationship out of its current plight through dialogue.

"The leaders of both China and South Korea should maintain communications on the basis of mutual trust as only dialogue can benefit both sides. I will also contribute my share of efforts."

The congressman also argues that THAAD deployment should not be left solely to the defense department, as the issue carries additional diplomatic weight and will effect the level of trust by neighboring countries who may question the necessity of deployment.

"It's the defense ministry instead of foreign ministry which campaigned for THAAD deployment, without consideration from the standpoint of national diplomacy or strategy. Diplomacy is the centerpiece of national strategy. As it outreaches to nuclear issues, THAAD should not be simply introduced as a tactic weapon."

THAAD has already affected China-South Korea ties and given rise to new difficulties in relations. Nevertheless, Kim believes that the more difficult the situation, the more efforts the two countries should make to join hands in seeking solutions.