US, South Korea outline visions for cost-sharing on troops

U.S. and South Korean officials outlined respective visions for a new agreement on sharing the cost of keeping American troops in South Korea in talks this week and will continue to consult as necessary, the chief U.S. negotiator said on Friday.
The allies named envoys last month to launch early talks for a new deal to take effect in 2026. South Korean media said the aim was for an agreement before any November election comeback by former President Donald Trump, who during his presidency accused Seoul of “free-riding” on U.S. military might.
Ahead of a first round of talks in Hawaii from Tuesday to Thursday on a so-called 12th Special Measures Agreement (SMA), chief U.S. negotiator Linda Specht said Washington was seeking “a fair and equitable outcome.”
In a brief statement on Friday, Specht said: “The United States and Republic of Korea outlined their respective visions for the 12th SMA … We will continue to consult whenever necessary to further strengthen and sustain the Alliance under the 12th SMA.”