China warned Tuesday of “consequences” for South Korea over the deployment of a U.S. antimissile system, raising regional tension and questions about China’s commitment to free, open trade.The U.S. military began deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to South Korea on Monday, the same day North Korea launched four missiles that landed off the Japanese coast. The United States and South Korea say the system is a necessary defense against Kim Jong Un’s regime, but Beijing rejects the plan.
| Of course they do. It complicates life for them, which is the whole point... |
“All consequences entailed from this will be borne by the U.S. and the Republic of Korea,” he said.
Geng did not provide details on what “consequences" are in store, but South Korea is bracing for retaliatory measures against its business interests, according to a South Korean official.
The Chinese side sees THAAD as a threat to the Chinese military and evidence of U.S. meddling in East Asian affairs.
| Which only China has the right to do... |
The new measures would also shut down duty-free shops run by Lotte, the South Korean conglomerate that helped Seoul secure land for THAAD, according to the South Korean official.
A representative of China’s Tourism Administration said by phone that the agency has indeed advised travel agencies not to sell South Korea tours or tickets. Three large Chinese travel agencies confirmed the order from the Tourism Administration. Two said they have already stopped selling packages; the other said itwould stop selling by March 15.
The effort to throttle South Korea’s thriving tourist trade is part of an ongoing campaign.
| Much more at the link about the specifics of the "effort to throttle" tourism. If that's the only price the South Koreans have to pay, pay it. |