We begin with Korea's diplomatic superweek... where officials from China and the U.S. are holding back-to-back talks with South Korea.
In today's meeting with Seoul foreign ministry officials, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel commented on a Chinese officials' remarks from yesterday.
Hwang Sung-hee reports.
Just a day after China voiced concerns over the possible deployment of a THAAD missile defense system in South Korea, the United States said China doesn't have a say in the matter.

"I find it curious that a third country would presume to make strong representations about a security system that has not been put in place and that is still a matter of theory."

Chinese Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Liu Jianchao told reporters in Seoul on Monday that China hopes South Korea will consider Beijing's concerns before deploying the U.S.-led missile defense system.
Beijing is against the deployment over concerns that the radar system, which can cover 1-thousand kilometers, could be used to monitor mainland China.
But following talks with senior South Korean officials in Seoul on Tuesday, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel said THAAD is purely for countering North Korean threats and that its deployment is up to South Korea.

"It is for the Republic of Korea to decide what measures it will take in its own alliance defense and when."

South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se echoed Russel's words while speaking to reporters, but added there were no official talks about THAAD deployment.

"As for THAAD, there is currently no development. The government will consider all factors, including security, before reaching a decision that will maximize our national interest."


But as the foreign ministry teeters between Seoul's closest partners, the defense ministry was much more blunt, saying that neighboring countries should not weigh in on South Korea's security policy.
Hwang Sung-hee, Arirang News.