STOP THAAD IN KOREA AND MILITARISM IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC TASK FORCE

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STOP THAAD IN KOREA AND MILITARISM IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC TASK FORCE is a "task force to stop THAAD in Korea and militarism in Asia and the Pacific".

About

On July 7, 2016, the U.S. and South Korean governments announced a joint decision to deploy the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system in South Korea.

The two governments assert, that the THAAD system will protect South Korea from the threat of North Korean missiles. For example, the U.S. Congressional Research Service finds that THAAD is unlikely to shield South Korea since it is designed to counter high altitude missiles, not those that North Korea would likely use against South Korean targets.

The U.S. THAAD deployment in South Korea is part of the U.S. “pivot” to the Asia Pacific. It expands the already significant network of U.S. “missile defense” systems encircling China and Russia. These systems give the United States a significant, although fleeting, military advantage in any future confrontation since they give the United States military the potential to neutralize an opponent’s ability to retaliate. The expansion of this network appears to reflect a broader U.S. decision to change its military posture from one of deterrence to that of first strike.

A growing number of South Koreans are fighting to block deployment of the THAAD system in their country. They correctly fear that its deployment will draw their country into an anti-Chinese alliance with the United States and Japan, embolden militaristic and anti-democratic political forces in their own country, and exacerbate tensions between North and South Korea. They also worry about the negative health effects that appear associated with the operation of the THAAD radar system. Also of concern is the cost of the THAAD system--estimated at $1.3 billion, plus an additional $22 million each year for operating and sustainment--will be borne by South Korean and U.S. taxpayers.
After decades of disastrous military engagements abroad, we need a new approach. We urge the U.S. government to move away from policies that escalate military tension and redraw Cold War-era lines in favor of policies that seek to resolve conflicts, peacefully, through diplomacy and dialogue. Toward that end, we urge the U.S. government to rescind its decision on THAAD deployment in South Korea, and to pursue all possible avenues for reducing tensions on the Korean peninsula by re-engaging in diplomacy with North Korea.

Coalition members

STOP THAAD IN KOREA AND MILITARISM IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC TASK FORCE is a coalition of organizations that are building awareness and helping to grow a movement to stop the deployment of this new missile defense system. The coalition consists of the following organizations:

Endorsing organizations

Endorsing Organizations (86 total): As of April 16, 2017;

Individual endorsers

Endorsing Individuals (79 total):

References

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