Seoul: U.S. allies' "burden sharing" extends beyond financial inputs, involving access to local military bases and other strategic contributions, U.S. experts highlighted during a Senate Foreign Relations committee hearing.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the hearing featured insights from Randall Schriver, a former senior Pentagon official; Victor Cha, Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies; and Oriana Skylar Mastro, a fellow at Stanford University's Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. The discussion came amidst U.S. President Donald Trump's call for NATO allies to boost defense spending to 5 percent of GDP, sparking speculation about increased financial demands on South Korea for hosting U.S. Forces Korea.
Schriver emphasized that evaluating burden sharing solely through defense spending percentages fails to capture the full scope of allies' contributions. He noted that non-financial inputs, such as "access, basing and overflight" privileges, are vital for maintaining U.S. military presence in the Indo-Pacific, a region increasingly influenced by China.
Experts at the hearing underscored the strategic value of alliances in countering geographic challenges posed by China, Russia, and North Korea. Schriver highlighted that alliances offer the best means to address these challenges, emphasizing the need for allies to contribute to regional stability through various means beyond financial support.
Victor Cha reflected on the historical effectiveness of the U.S. alliance system, noting its critical role in addressing security threats from North Korea, China, Russia, and Iran. He pointed out the extensive network of U.S. bases and access points in the Indo-Pacific, which contrasts with China's singular overseas base, enabling rapid response and deterrence.
Cha also commented on the increased capability of U.S. allies to bear host-nation costs compared to 50 years ago. He advised against unexpected changes in burden sharing, advocating for transparent arrangements that allow allies to gain domestic support.
Oriana Skylar Mastro emphasized "mission burden sharing," advocating for allies like South Korea to enhance their capabilities to deter China and manage regional contingencies. She suggested that South Korea should allow strategic flexibility, enabling U.S. forces to address off-peninsula challenges, including those involving China.
Sen. Jim Risch, the committee chair, praised South Korea's consistent defense spending and its robust defense industry, highlighting its collaboration with the U.S. in enhancing shipbuilding capacity.