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
