US Defense Payments: South Korea and Japan Face Squeeze Over American Protection Costs

US Military Presence and Costs in South Korea

• 🇰🇷 South Korea relies heavily on American military protection, with approximately 28,000 US troops stationed in the country.
• 💰 By 2026, Seoul is set to pay nearly €1 billion for this support, which includes hosting over 70 US military installations, such as Camp Humphreys, the largest US base overseas.
• 🤝 The KATUSA program, a 74-year-old training initiative, integrates South Korean soldiers with US troops, fostering expertise and joint operational capabilities.
• ⚠️ While many see the US presence as crucial, some South Koreans view it as a risk, campaigning for disarmament due to fears of escalating tensions with North Korea.

Japan's Defense Payments and US Alliances

• 🇯🇵 Japan also contributes to the cost of American protection, paying about €1.3 billion annually for nearly 50,000 US soldiers stationed there.
• 📈 Despite these payments, former President Trump considered the amount insufficient, pushing allies to enhance their military capabilities.
• 💰 Japan's defense budget has seen a significant increase, reaching a record €53 billion for 2025, a 70% rise in three years.
• 🇪🇺 To reduce sole dependence on the US, Japan has signed a new defense treaty with the European Union.

Trump's Stance on Allied Defense Payments

• 🗣️ Donald Trump has consistently focused on the cost of US military support for allies, particularly South Korea and Japan.
• 💸 He has threatened to significantly increase the payments demanded from these countries, suggesting South Korea should pay 10 times more than its current contribution.
• 💰 Trump views these defense contributions as a "money machine" for the US.