Seoul is continuing to flex its military muscle as tension mounts on the Korean peninsula.<br /><br />The South Korean navy has begun manoeuvres in the Sea of Japan which are meant, analysts say, to deter the North from any action at sea.<br /><br />#BREAKING South Korea navy holds major live-fire drills in warning to North— AFP news agency (@AFP) 5 septembre 2017<br /><br /><br />South Korea’s military conducts ballistic missile drill in response to North Korea’s latest nuclear test. https://t.co/vzZXEyyN0A pic.twitter.com/zf88YVbOLu— ABC News (@ABC) 4 septembre 2017<br /><br /><br />Why are they doing this?<br /><br />Because Pyongyang tested its strongest nuclear bomb yet 48 hours ago.<br /><br />Sunday’s test was Pyongyang’s sixth and its most powerful to date.<br /><br />North Korea says it tested a bomb which could on an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).<br /><br />“If the enemy launches any provocation, by land or sea, we will respond immediately and decisively,” said Choi Young-chan, commander of the 13th fleet of South Korea’s armed forces.<br /><br />What did South Korea do in response?<br /><br />Seoul launched a series of military live-fire manoeuvres.<br /><br />The firepower<br /><br />Seoul says the maritime manoeuvres involve the 2,500 ton frigate Gangwon, a patrol vessel of 1000 tons and a 400 ton destroyer in the Sea of Japan.<br /><br />Diplomatic developments<br /><br />US President Donald Trump has spoken with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in by telephone.<br /><br />They agreed to lift the 500 kilo weight limit on warheads. It has been in place since 2001.<br /><br />A White House statement also said the US President was ready to approve the sale of “billions of dollars” of military equipment to South Korea.<br /><br />Trump says to approve lifting restrictions on South Korea missile payload limits https://t.co/6BTB45lvA7 pic.twitter.com/yPTuIwjiEl— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) 5 septembre 2017<br /><br /><br />Thaad missile defence system<br /><br />South Korea also says it will temporarily deploy four remaining launchers for a US THAAD missile defence system.<br /><br />Government experts have completed an environmental assessment.<br /><br />The deployment decision was made by President Moon Jae-in in the face of the growing tension sparked by North Korea.<br /><br />The details<br /><br />Some construction will be carried out to deploy the four launchers at the site in Seongju, south of Seoul.<br /><br />There are currently two launchers at the location, a former golf course. The ministry did not specify when the launchers would be moved onto the site.<br /><br />Is everyone in favour of the missile system?<br /><br />No. China strongly objects to the THAAD.<br /><br />Beijing says its powerful radar can probe deep into its territory, undermining national security.<br /><br />Thousands of people march to the US Embassy in Seoul to protest against the deployment of the US THAAD system. (VCG/Kyodo News) pic.twitter.com/tkJq32l087— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) 15 août 2017<br />
