The tens of thousands of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea and Japan appear set to be part of President Donald Trump's tariff negotiations, despite efforts by both countries to separate security talks from trade.
In posts on the Truth Social platform, Trump said defence cost-sharing would be part of "one-stop shopping" negotiations with Seoul, and raised the issue of the defence burden during a visit by Japanese officials to Washington this week.
Japan hosts about 50,000 U.S. troops and South Korea 28,500. Both nations rely on the U.S. nuclear umbrella for protection against China, Russia and North Korea, and are seen as crucial for the U.S. military's ability to project power and influence around the region.
Trump has previously suggested he could withdraw the U.S. forces if the countries don't pay up, and during his first term, demanded billions of dollars more.
In posts on the Truth Social platform, Trump said defence cost-sharing would be part of "one-stop shopping" negotiations with Seoul, and raised the issue of the defence burden during a visit by Japanese officials to Washington this week.
Japan hosts about 50,000 U.S. troops and South Korea 28,500. Both nations rely on the U.S. nuclear umbrella for protection against China, Russia and North Korea, and are seen as crucial for the U.S. military's ability to project power and influence around the region.
Trump has previously suggested he could withdraw the U.S. forces if the countries don't pay up, and during his first term, demanded billions of dollars more.
4 months ago
