Seoul: Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok on Tuesday clarified that the cost for stationing the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) is not currently a topic of discussion in the ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States. This statement was made during a parliamentary interpellation session when Choi was questioned about any potential adjustments to South Korea's share of the expenses for maintaining the 28,500-strong USFK.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Minister Choi emphasized that discussions on defense payments are not being considered at this time. When further questioned about the possibility of this issue being part of the Trump administration's proposed "package deal" on tariffs and security matters, Choi acknowledged the public interest but reiterated that it is not on the current agenda for South Korea.
In a related development, the finance minister pointed out that a liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Alaska might be used as a bargaining tool in the bilateral trade discussions. U.S. President Donald Trump recently noted the interest of South Korea and other nations in collaborating with the U.S. to construct a pipeline from the North Slope to southern Alaska, where the gas would be liquefied for export, mainly targeting Asian markets.
Choi indicated that initial talks with U.S. officials should focus on the negotiation processes concerning LNG, shipbuilding, and trade balance. He stressed that "only national interest will be the standard for a decision," and assured that the economic feasibility of the project would be thoroughly evaluated.
President Trump, during his first phone conversation with South Korea's acting President Han Duck-soo, said they discussed various issues, including South Korea's defense payments, trade surplus with the U.S., the purchase of U.S. LNG, and bilateral cooperation in shipbuilding.