Seoul: This week, US and South Korean officials have delved into discussions, outlining their respective stances on a new agreement regarding the cost-sharing arrangement for maintaining American troops in South Korea.
Chief US negotiator Linda Specht affirmed that both parties will continue consultations as necessary to achieve a fair and equitable outcome under the 12th Special Measures Agreement (SMA).
Last month’s appointment of envoys marked the start of early talks aimed at reaching a new agreement before the potential return of former President Donald Trump in November. Trump, during his tenure, criticized South Korea for supposedly benefiting from US military capabilities without sufficient financial contribution.
The recent discussions held in Hawaii from Tuesday to Thursday paved the way for negotiations on the 12th SMA. Specht underscored the significance of bolstering and sustaining the alliance between the United States and South Korea through ongoing consultations.
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While talks are progressing ahead of schedule, US officials don’t consider November as an inflexible deadline. The presence of over 28,000 American troops in South Korea acts as a crucial deterrent against North Korea’s nuclear threat.
Since the early 1990s, South Korea has shouldered the costs associated with hosting American troops, covering expenses like local labor, military infrastructure construction, and logistical support. Previous negotiations during Trump’s administration saw South Korea agreeing to a substantial increase in its financial contribution.
Trump’s insistence on a much higher financial commitment from Seoul led to prolonged negotiations, culminating in a 13.9% increase in South Korea’s contribution compared to the previous pact.
According to the US Government Accountability Office, from 2016 to 2019, the US Defense Department expended approximately $13.4 billion in South Korea on various military expenditures, while South Korea provided $5.8 billion to support the US troop presence.
With the current agreement slated to expire in 2025, negotiations for a successor pact typically occur just before the expiration of the existing agreement.
