Washington, Nov 23 (IANS) — A Pentagon official emphasized that security burden-sharing between the US and South Korea involves more than just Seoul's defence expenditures, addressing concerns over potential renegotiations of the current defence cost-sharing agreement under President-elect Donald Trump.
Jedidiah Royal, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, highlighted that beyond spending, burden-sharing includes South Korea’s contributions in high-tech capabilities and regional security support. Speaking at a Korea Society forum, Royal stated, "Sharing responsibility is not just about defence spending or SMA contributions, " referring to the Special Measures Agreement (SMA) — the defence cost-sharing deal between the two allies.
South Korea and the US recently agreed on the 12th SMA, which defines Seoul’s contributions toward the US Forces Korea (USFK), currently at 28, 500 troops. This agreement, valid until 2030, sets South Korea’s 2026 contribution at 1.52 trillion won (approximately $1.08 billion). However, Trump remarked during his campaign that South Korea could pay as much as $10 billion annually for the stationing of US troops, prompting speculation over a potential revision to increase Seoul's payments.
Royal underscored the importance of this agreement in ensuring a stable US military presence in South Korea, noting it places the US-South Korea alliance "in a durable position" moving forward.
At the same forum, former US Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris expressed hope that the Trump administration would reaffirm the Washington Declaration. The declaration, signed by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and US President Joe Biden, reinforces America’s commitment to extended deterrence, including nuclear capabilities, for South Korea's defence.
Harris emphasized the need for a comprehensive reaffirmation of the declaration, especially with the establishment of the Nuclear Consultative Group to enhance deterrence strategies.