By Here is a STRATFOR situation report that says that the US is against lifting its South Korea missile ban because of fears of angering China:
Washington opposes revising the guidelines that restrict South Korea’s missile range to less than 300 kilometers (186 miles), Chosun reported Dec. 4. Officials from the United States and South Korea failed to come to an agreement when they discussed the issue at the South Korean Defense Ministry on Dec. 1, but agreed to meet again in early 2012. Washington is reportedly concerned that extending the range would provoke North Korea and impact its relations with China. A government official said the United States is concerned that extending the range to 1,000 kilometers would bring Beijing within reach. [STRATFOR]
12:12 am on December 8th, 2011 1
South Korea should just go ahead and do what they think will keep them safe. US leadership in the Pacific Rim is and has been very poor. If South Korea thinks missle ranges should be longer, so be it.
6:30 am on December 8th, 2011 2
#1,
It’s not even about defense, really. South Korea is an arms exporter, one which competes with American manufacturers.
11:21 am on December 8th, 2011 3
#2
THAT is the real reason. And I believe the ban is on ‘ballistic’ missiles? Long ranged ballistic missiles can also be turned into satellite launching vehicle?
The theory about not wanting to provoke China is kinda weird because I think S Korea already has tons of cruise missiles that can reach parts of China. but oh well.
7:01 am on December 9th, 2011 4
That says a lot about the KOR-US relationship…
1:50 pm on December 11th, 2011 5
[...] these guidelines to allow ranges of up to one thousand kilometers.On December 1st, Washington declined the revision, wishing to maintain South Korea’s current status within the Missile Technology Control [...]