The earlier-than-expected steps to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system was also denounced by the frontrunner in South Korea’s presidential election on May 9. The United States and South Korea agreed last year to deploy the THAAD to counter the threat of missile launches by North Korea. China is North Korea’s sole major ally and is seen as crucial to U.S.-led efforts to rein in its bellicose, isolated neighbor. South Korea has accused China of discriminating against some South Korean companies operating in China because of the deployment. North Korea’s nuclear and missile threat is perhaps the most serious security challenge confronting U.S. President Donald Trump.

Source: Huffington Post April 26, 2017 13:24 UTC