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Concern Grows inSouth KoreaOver Trump Cost-Sharing Demands

William Gallo

   SEOUL - The United States and South Korea this week held fresh
   negotiations over how to split the cost of the 28,000 U.S. troops
   stationed in South Korea.The current deal expires at the end of the
   year, and U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly demanded a
   fivefold increase in how much Seoul pays.

   Trump says South Korea and other allies are taking advantage of the
   U.S. He reportedly wants Seoul to pay more than five times the amount
   it contributes now. Analyst Shin Beom-chulsaidsomeSouth
   Koreanswouldseesuch ademand as absurd, andthat it could fuelanti-U.S.
   sentiment.

   South Korea experienced mass anti-U.S. protests as recently as the late
   2000s. However, these days, it's hard to find overt displays of
   anti-U.S. sentiment. Polls suggest both conservative and liberal South
   Koreans broadly support the U.S. alliance.

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