US, South Korea reach tentative cost-sharing deal for US troops
The United States and South Korea on Friday announced a new cost-sharing deal that would see Seoul spend more to host American troops.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the agreement was reached on a new five-year Special Measures Agreement with South Korea after eight rounds of negotiations.
"The agreement will be a significant accomplishment for both sides, and will strengthen our Alliance and our shared defense," Miller said in a statement, noting it was the 12th such agreement the countries have struck.
The new deal will increase South Korea's contribution to the American forces by 8.3 percent with additional increases every year linked to inflation, so long as price rises there stay around 2 percent annually, according to the Korean JoongAng Daily.
In 2026, the deal stipulates that South Korea will start its contribution at roughly $1.1 billion.
South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong said that tying the contribution to inflation rather than a defense budget growth brought down the potential for skyrocketing increases, according to the South Korean outlet.
The U.S. deploys more than 28,000 troops in South Korea, primarily to support the country against North Korean aggression as both sides remain in a frozen conflict, divided only by the demilitarized zone.
The new agreement comes as former President Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, is in a tight race for the White House against Vice President Harris, the Democratic nominee.
Trump has repeatedly said he wants South Korea to pay more for the positioning of American troops in the country, and has also made isolationist comments questioning support for other nations in conflicts, including Ukraine.
Date: | |
Tag: | South Korea |
Topics
-
Top stories - NBC News
North Korea leader Kim threatens to use nuclear weapons against the South if attacked
North Korea would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons if the enemy tried to use force to encroach on its sovereignty, state media reported Kim Jong Un as saying.16 hours ago - North Korea -
Top stories - CBS News
Dockworkers suspend strike after reaching tentative deal
The strike, the first by East and Gulf Coast dockworkers since 1977, had shut down 14 ports since Tuesday.20 hours ago -
Politics - The Hill
US troops deploy after Hurricane Helene
Welcome to The Hill's Defense & NatSec newsletter {beacon} Defense &National Security Defense &National Security The Big Story National Guard responds to Hurricane Helene The U.S. has deployed ...21 hours ago -
World - The Guardian
US south-east reels from ‘catastrophic’ devastation from Hurricane Helene
Communities are stranded, over 200 people have died with more expected, and more than 700,000 are without power. Rescue crews in parts of the south-eastern US were still searching on Friday for ...1 hour ago -
World - ABC News
North Korea's Kim threatens to destroy South Korea with nuclear strikes if provoked
North Korea says leader Kim Jong Un has threatened to use nuclear weapons and destroy South Korea permanently if provoked15 hours ago - North Korea -
World - The Guardian
US dock workers agree on deal with port operators to end strike
International Longshoremen’s Association announces agreement for wage hike and immediate work resumption. The US ports strike that shut down shipping on the east and Gulf coasts for three days came ...19 hours ago -
Politics - The Hill
Port workers reach tentative agreement to end strike
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), an association of companies that operate East and Gulf Coast ports, reached a tentative agreement ...20 hours ago -
Top stories - CBS News
Dockworkers reach tentative agreement, suspending port strike
At least 25,000 dockworkers across 14 ports along the East and Gulf coasts in the U.S. can return to work amid a tentative agreement made on wages that would extend their current contract until ...6 hours ago
More from The Hill
-
Politics - The Hill
Watch live: Trump, Kemp tour Hurricane Helene damage in Georgia
Former President Trump is taking time off the campaign trail Friday morning, linking up with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) to survey the damage left by Hurricane Helene in the battleground state. The ...28 minutes ago - Donald Trump -
Politics - The Hill
California regroups after Newsom veto
The Hill's weekly technology news digest. {beacon} Friday, October 4, 2024 LEADING THE DAY Newsom AI veto likely to stand Image © AP California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) this week vetoed perhaps ...28 minutes ago - California -
Politics - The Hill
Flu vaccine efficacy against hospitalization may be lower this season: CDC
Early estimates on the effectiveness of this year's flu vaccines indicate they may be less effective at preventing hospitalization than in years past, based on data from South America, where the ...30 minutes ago -
Politics - The Hill
Biden: 'I don't know' if Netanyahu trying to influence election
President Biden on Friday said he wasn't aware of whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was trying to influence the U.S. election, while noting that no administration has been a ...36 minutes ago - Joe Biden -
Politics - The Hill
Independent panel calls for removal of Homeland Security watchdog
An independent group of investigators called on President Biden to remove the government watchdog at the Department of Homeland Security, finding Inspector General Joseph Cuffari misled Congress, ...56 minutes ago