China expels 32 south korea missionaries amid missile defense tension

A significant development in the ongoing tensions between China and South Korea!

According to reports, China has expelled 32 South Korean missionaries from the country, citing "security concerns" amid the ongoing tensions over South Korea's decision to deploy a US-made missile defense system, known as THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense).

The move is seen as a retaliatory measure by China, which has been strongly opposed to the deployment of THAAD, claiming it threatens its national security and regional stability. China has also imposed economic sanctions on South Korea, including a ban on group tours and restrictions on imports.

The expelled missionaries were reportedly working for various Christian organizations, including the Korean Christian Federation and the Korea Baptist Convention. They were given 72 hours to leave China, with some reportedly being escorted to the border.

This development comes as the two countries continue to engage in a war of words over the THAAD deployment. South Korea has maintained that the system is necessary to counter the growing nuclear threat from North Korea, while China has accused Seoul of violating a 2009 agreement not to deploy the system.

The situation has also raised concerns about the impact on bilateral relations between China and South Korea, which have traditionally been close. The expulsion of the missionaries is seen as a significant escalation in the tensions, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days and weeks.

What are your thoughts on this development? Do you think China's actions are justified, or is this a disproportionate response to the THAAD deployment?