The United States is in discussions about a potential deployment of the THAAD missile defense system to South Korea to counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, the U.S. Pacific commander said Thursday.
  

Adm. Samuel Locklear made the remark during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, but did not elaborate on what those discussions are, including whether they are internal discussions in the U.S. military or whether they mean talks with South Korea.
  

"Our ability in the region to partner with our Japanese allies and our South Korean allies to bring the BMD (ballistic missile defense) capabilities to bear has been productive. And in addition, we've been in discussions about the potential deployment of additional THAAD battery, beyond the one that's in Guam but on the Korean Peninsula," Locklear said.
  

The possibility of a THAAD deployment to South Korea has been one of the hottest defense, political and diplomatic issues in South Korea as China and Russia see the move as threats to their security interests and have expressed strong opposition.
  

Supporters say the advanced missile defense unit is necessary to meet ever-growing missile and nuclear threats from North Korea, while opponents claim mid- and lower-altitude missile interceptors are enough as the North is unlikely to attack the South with such high-altitude missiles.
  

Considering its sensitivity, Seoul and Washington have said that there have been no formal consultations or decisions on the issue. U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter also said in Seoul last week that the U.S. is not ready to begin discussions on the issue. (Yonhap)