Trump Links U.S. Troop Costs in Japan and South Korea to Tariff Talks, Raising Diplomatic Tensions
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited diplomatic tensions by reintroducing defense cost-sharing discussions into ongoing tariff negotiations with key Asian allies, Japan and South Korea. Trump’s recent posts on Truth Social suggest that military support and trade matters should be intertwined, prompting concern in Seoul and Tokyo.
Japan and South Korea each host significant U.S. military forces—approximately 50,000 troops in Japan and 28,500 troops in South Korea. These forces are vital to U.S. influence and strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific, especially with rising threats from China, Russia, and North Korea.
Pushback from Asian Allies
Both countries have publicly expressed that defense cost-sharing and trade talks should be treated separately. South Korean officials have confirmed that there are no formal plans to renegotiate the Special Measures Agreement (SMA). Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok stated that cost-sharing is not currently under review. Similarly, Japan has reiterated that defense-related expenses should not be linked to trade tariffs.
Trump’s Pressure Tactics Spark Concerns
Analysts view Trump’s approach as a strategic move to extract financial concessions from both countries. During his first term, Trump demanded higher payments for U.S. troop presence and even threatened to withdraw U.S. forces if his demands weren’t met.
Experts suggest that this tactic could undermine long-standing security alliances. Danny Russel, from the Asia Society Policy Institute, commented, "Trump sees alliances in economic terms." Linking military support to financial contributions may damage mutual trust and complicate diplomatic relations.
South Korea's Costly Gamble
Ahead of the 2020 U.S. election, the Biden administration and South Korea agreed on a five-year SMA, increasing South Korea’s contribution by 8.3% to $1.47 billion. This was intended to lock in favorable terms before Trump’s potential return. However, South Korea may now be forced to renegotiate from a higher base, complicating the situation.
South Korea is currently under a caretaker administration after the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, with a new election scheduled for June 3.
Japan’s Strategic Role
Japan is home to the largest overseas deployment of U.S. troops, including a forward-deployed aircraft carrier strike group. Under its current agreement, Japan contributes around $1.48 billion annually toward U.S. defense costs, with the agreement running until March 2027.
Both Japan and South Korea continue to invest heavily in U.S. military hardware, such as advanced warplanes. Pentagon officials have lauded these financial commitments, noting their significance in strengthening the alliance. General Xavier Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, emphasized the importance of these investments in ensuring a robust and enduring partnership.
Growing Debate on Nuclear Defense in South Korea
Trump’s pressure tactics have reignited a debate in South Korea over national security. With uncertainties surrounding long-term U.S. defense commitments, some South Korean voices are calling for the country to develop its own nuclear capabilities.