South Korea negotiates cost of maintaining 28,500 US troops stationed in the country

On July 10, South Korea and the United States began a new round of negotiations on cost-sharing for maintaining the United States Forces Korea (USFK).

Since 1991, South Korea has shared a portion of the costs associated with USFK personnel; construction of military facilities, training, education, operations, communications, and other logistical support. (Source: Stars and Stripes)

The three-day talks in Seoul marked the fifth round since the two countries began negotiations in April to renew an agreement that determines how much Seoul will pay to maintain the 28,500 US troops stationed in the country.

The Special Measures Agreement (SMA) is currently in effect for six years and is set to expire at the end of next year. South Korea has called for a reasonable cost-sharing agreement, while the US has stressed the goal of reaching a deal with mutual consent.

The SMA talks come as South Korea wants to reach an early agreement to avoid difficulties in negotiations if former US President Donald Trump returns to the White House.

Under Mr Trump, Washington has demanded that Seoul increase its payment fivefold to $5 billion.

Under the current SMA, South Korea pledged to spend $1.03 billion for 2021, up 13.9 percent from 2019, and increase its annual contribution for the next four years to meet Seoul's rising defense spending.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ha-n-quoc-da-m-phan-chi-phi-duy-tri-28500-binh-si-my-don-tru-tai-nuoc-nay-278190.html