U.S. Alliance

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US President-elect Donald Trump has consistently argued for raising the share of defense costs shouldered by US allies and even mentioned pulling US troops from Korea. The Korea-US alliance could see major changes after this election.

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During his campaign, Trump consistently demanded that US allies including Korea shoulder a higher share of defense costs.

[Soundbite] Donald Trump(U.S. President-elect (Jan. 2016))

Korea's share of its defense cost has steadily risen since 2011 to approximately 820 million dollars this year based on recent exchange rates. This is nearly half the total cost of stationing US troops in Korea. Trump's claim is that Korea should pay the other half as well. The Korean military insists that Seoul is already paying a hefty amount and additional contribution is unnecessary as the US Forces in Korea are recording surplus funds of tens of millions of dollars each year. Trump even mentioned a possible pullout of US troops from Korea.

[Soundbite] Yang Uk(Korea Defense & Security Forum) : "Pulling out U.S. troops could be a strategic blunder asthe Pyeongtaek base, which will be home to the largest U.S. troop dispatch overseas, is currently being built."

As if aware of allies' concerns, Trump said in his acceptance speech said that the US will treat all countries fairly in an apparent step back from his previous stance.