By Lee Chi-dong
SINGAPORE, June 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo said Friday he will clarify the new government's position on the issue of deploying THAAD in talks here with U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis this week.
They are scheduled to meet bilaterally on Saturday on the sidelines of the Asia Security Summit set to open in Singapore.
Han pointed out President Moon Jae-in's view that the U.S. missile defense system is being deployed without South Korea's "domestic procedural justification."
"With regard to THAAD, I will convey the president's such comments," the minister told reporters, as he arrived in Singapore to attend the so-called Shanggri-La Dialogue.
Han also said he plans to make clear that there will be "no change" in the agreement on THAAD deployment itself.
His remarks came amid widespread speculation that the installment of full THAAD equipment may be delayed. There's concern as well about a possible impact on the Seoul-Washington alliance.
South Korea's new liberal leader has been critical of his predecessor's decision on the THAAD deployment, saying it was made without public consent and due procedures at home. South Korean people are still split over whether THAAD is a must for the defense of the country against North Korea's missile threats.
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