South Korea cites previously agreed terms with US on sharing defence costs after Trump’s demand
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Mr Trump has accused Seoul of "free-riding" on US military might, with some 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea.
PHOTO: AFP
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SEOUL – South Korea will follow terms previously agreed with the United States on defence cost sharing, its foreign ministry said on July 8, following a call by US President Donald Trump for Seoul to pay more for the US troop presence in the country.
Just before Mr Trump won the presidential election in November, the countries struck a new five-year plan on sharing the cost
Under the plan, Seoul would raise its contribution towards the upkeep of US troops by 8.3 per cent to US$1.47 billion (S$1.88 billion) in the first year.
Mr Trump said the US’ Asian ally should be paying for its own military protection, a day after saying he planned to impose a 25 per cent tariff
"Our government is committed to complying with and implementing the 12th SMA (Special Measures Agreement), which has been valid and went into effect," the ministry said in a statement, in which it declined to comment further on Mr Trump's remarks.
Mr Trump has accused Seoul of "free-riding" on US military might, with some 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea as part of efforts to deter nuclear-armed North Korea.
With South Korea and the US engaged in tariff negotiations, the new Lee Jae-myung administration wants to expedite the talks ahead of a new Aug 1 deadline.
South Korea’s top security adviser, Mr Wi Sung-lac, said on July 9 he had suggested to the US that they advance discussions on a “package” of issues including “trade, investment, purchases and security” during his visit to Washington this week.
Mr Wi told a press briefing that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, his counterpart, agreed.
“It’s a fact that we pay 1.5 trillion won (S$1.4 billion annually) in defence costs... Discussions should start from this fact,” Mr Wi told reporters after visiting the US, according to Yonhap.
“Additionally, there are many direct and indirect defence support costs, and we are also trying to increase them in line with the international trend,” Mr Wi said, adding that defence costs weren’t discussed much during this week’s visit.
Mr Wi and Mr Rubio agreed a summit meeting of the leaders of the countries would help advance cooperation, South Korea’s presidential office said. REUTERS
