US DEPLOYS THAAD IN SOUTH KOREA, DESPITE CHINESE PROTESTS|反制北韓飛彈 美薩德系統送抵南韓 中方抗議

Meanwhile, on Tuesday less than a day after North Korea's test of four ballistic missiles, the United States started to deploy the first elements of its advanced anti-missile defense system, or THAAD, in South Korea, despite angry opposition from China. Video footage by USPACOM shows that late on the 6th, two Thaad interceptors arrived at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. South Korea media conjectured that the arrival of troops, radar and missiles will soon follow, and it will take one or two months to complete the deployment. In a statement, USPACOM reiterated that the Thaad system does not pose any threat to nearby countries because it is a defense system. Thaad intercepts or destroys medium-range ballistic missiles within the atmosphere. On the 6th, North Korea launched four missiles and US military confirmed they were medium-range ballistic missiles, indicating that North Korea has made progress on the research and development of missiles. China has strongly opposed the deployment of Thaad because of its surveillance capabilities, which may expose every move by the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Tensions have since escalated between South Korea and China following the deployment of Thaad. China ordered travel agencies to stop selling tour packages to South Korea and took steps against the Lotte Group, which provided the land on which Thaad's missile battery will be set up. Chinese consumers also began boycotting South Korean products and so far 23 companies in China have been ordered to suspend operations. The official reasons given were violations of fire safety regulations. ==YUN BYUNG-SE Foreign Affairs Minister of South Korea== China opposes South Korea's deployment of Thaad by taking restricted measures. To protect our country and our people's safety, we will justify the deployment of THAAD. South Korea's Foreign Affairs Minister said he will proactively communicate with China over such unfair treatment. Legislators of South Korea's ruling party suggest filing a complaint to WTO against China's breaching of the organization's rules on free trade. To help entangle the mess, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is scheduled to visit Japan, South Korea and China. TRANSLATED BY：BRYANT CHANG