Local residents take part in a protest against the decision to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), in Seoul, South Korea, July 8, 2016. South Korea and the United States on Friday announced their final decision to deploy the THAAD in the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) despite continued oppositions from neighboring countries. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)
2. DPRK'S NUCLEAR TESTS INTENSIFY ON KOREAN PENINSULA
Against strong objection of the international community, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) conducted two nuclear tests in January and September this year, and launched ballistic missiles multiple times, aggravating the tense situation in northeast Asia.
The United Nations Security Council has condemned the DPRK's actions many times through statements and resolutions, and has imposed sanctions on the country.
Meanwhile, South Korea and the United States, under the excuse of tackling the DPRK's threat, have conducted several joint military drills this year.
South Korea, disregarding the strong opposition from neighboring countries including China and Russia as well as from its own people, fully initiated the deployment of the U.S. THAAD anti-missile system in the country on March 4, seriously damaging the security and strategic balance in northeast Asia.
