The South Korean Ministry of Defense said Aug. 3 that it would deploy the remaining Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) launchers in Seongju before the completion of an environment assessment if told to do so by the South Korean government. Two of the six launchers in the system are already in place, but South Korean President Moon Jae In suspended the remaining four on June 8 pending the environmental assessment. The U.S. missile system meant to defend against North Korea has received strong condemnation from China, which fears the steady extension of U.S. missile defense architecture in the Asia-Pacific . Under the previous administration of President Park Geun Hye, Moon took a hardline stance against the THAAD agreement. But while campaigning, he eased back and said the new administration should decide. Finally, after assuming office, Moon renewed his position of temporarily halting the deployment for an environmental assessment .