US commander: Potential missile defense deployment in South Korea would focus on peninsula

WASHINGTON – A U.S. military commander says China should not be concerned if the U.S. deploys an advanced missile defense system in South Korea to counter the threat from a nuclear North Korea.

Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti is the commander of U.S. forces in South Korea. He told a congressional hearing Thursday that the defense system — if deployed — would be focused on defending the Korean Peninsula and wouldn't have "any influence beyond that."

Pacific forces commander Adm. Samuel Locklear said a potential deployment of the defense system was under discussion. He didn't say whether those were internal U.S. discussions or discussions with South Korea.