US, South Korea Speed Up Troop-Funding Talks With Trump in Mind

  • Two countries set to begin discussions this year on new pact
  • Trump’s demands for hefty increases in funding strained ties
Donald Trump with US military personnel at Osan air base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, in June 2019. Photographer: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg
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The US and South Korea have reached a deal to discuss funding for American troops this year, local media reported, a step that could ease friction between the allies after former President Donald Trump once demanded a five-fold increase.

South Korea and the US agreed to begin talks soon on a funding pact, the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper and other media reported, citing diplomats they didn’t name. It added Seoul may aim to reach an agreement later this year.