THE South Korean government on Wednesday moved to suspend the controversial deployment of a US missile intercept system in the country, putting Seoul on a potential collision course with Washington’s regional defence strategy.

The presidential office announced that the further rolling out of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system would be frozen until an environmental impact assessment is finished.

It follows a political outcry over allegations that the new liberal president, Moon Jae-in, who was elected only last month, was kept in the dark by defence officials about how much equipment had already been allowed into the country.

The US views the THAAD’s installation as vital to protect East Asia, and tens of thousands of stationed American troops, from the threat of missile attacks from North Korea.

But its planned deployment has not only infuriated Beijing, which fears the encroachment of THAAD’s powerful surveillance system on its territory, but it has bitterly divided South Korean public opinion.