U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said that he hopes to get the ownership of the land where U.S. military bases in South Korea during a meeting with visiting South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the White House.
The two sides discussed issues such as the U.S.-South Korea alliance, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and manufacturing cooperation between the two countries.
Trump expressed his hope that South Korea would transfer the ownership of the land used for U.S. military bases to the United States, rather than continuing the current "lease" arrangement.
However, according to the U.S.-South Korea agreement on the stationing of U.S. forces, South Korea currently not only provides the land for U.S. military bases free of charge but also bears a significant portion of the costs associated with maintaining the troops.
During the talks, Trump expressed his hope to meet with Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), later this year and said that together with Lee, he expects to gain major progress in relations with the DPRK.
Regarding economic ties between the U.S. and South Korea, Trump mentioned that he would not rule out "renegotiating" the trade agreement reached between the two countries in July.
Lee emphasized his hope that Trump would pave a "new path to peace" on the Korean Peninsula. He also said that South Korea is willing to participate in the revitalization of manufacturing industries, such as shipbuilding, which the U.S. is currently promoting.
Trump seeks ownership of US military bases' land in South Korea
Trump seeks ownership of US military bases' land in South Korea
China's 15th National Games is fueling tourism in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), as visitors are there not only for the sports but are also exploring the cities.
For some competing teams, their event tickets also grant them access to the parks, harbors and iconic landmarks in Shenzhen, Guangdong, where competition days become a several-day tour.
"We're here to watch the National Games in Shenzhen, where we'll visit Lotus Mountain Park, Happy Harbor, and the Eye of the Greater Bay Area. As Guangdong is one of the host cities of the Games, we're very proud and welcome everyone to join us in the Greater Bay Area for the events," said Lai Xiaoheng, a tourist from Guangzhou, the provincial capital of Guangdong.
For the first time, Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong and the Macao special administrative regions have teamed up to host the National Games, and the excitement is palpable as tickets for many popular events sold out within seconds.
"Driven by sports-themed tour groups, the number of travel packages in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is expected to increase by about 30 percent in November 2025 compared to the previous year,"said Guan Jian, director of Communications, GZL International Travel Service.
From scenic spots to local hotels and restaurants, the Games are driving a surge in dining and spending.
"During the National Games, our restaurant has seen a 30 percent increase in customer flow. The event has attracted many new visitors from across the country and beyond to Happy Harbor, and we are thrilled to be one of the main businesses benefiting from this surge," said Xu Hailun, founder of the Lounge Bridge.
"The National Games are providing a major boost to our region's tourism and hospitality industry. For our hotel, this has translated into an 18 percent year-on-year occupancy increase during the event period, with our most popular rooms often selling out on key weekends," said Ye Changlin, president of Skytel Shenzhen Shekou.
The National Games is China's largest multi-sport event. Running from Nov 9 to 21, The 15th National Games have attracted over 14,000 elite athletes from across the nation.
Shenzhen will host the closing ceremony of the Games.
15th National Games fuels tourism in Greater Bay Area
