Trump Insists S. Korea Pay 100% of Costs for U.S. Troops

Republican candidate, Donald Trump is adding tension to a potentially damaging relationship with South Korea.

Trump said on Wednesday, May 4, that South Korea should pay entirely for the U.S. troops currently present in South Korea. Seoul is reportedly paying about 50% of the total cost. 

"Why not a 100 percent?" Trump said. The interviewer asked the presidential hopeful if all countries, including South Korea, Japan, and Germany should cover all the costs for U.S. protection. 

 "Of course they should pick up all the expense," he answered. "Why are we paying for this?"

Trump's ideas against the military alliance in South Korea are hardly new. The candidate had previously hinted at withdrawing or at least downsizing U.S. troops from South Korea after claiming the country was getting a "free ride" from the U.S.

"If they don't take care of us properly, if they don't respect us enough to take care of us properly, then you know what will have to happen? Very simple, they're going to have to defend themselves," Trump said, referring to South Korea defending itself against North Korea.

According to an article on Yonhap News, the South Korean government says the alliance between both nations is still intact. 

"The bipartisan support within the U.S. on its alliance with South Korea is firmer than any time before," a foreign ministry official said on Thursday. "We're convinced the alliance based on common values such as democracy and market economy will continue to develop firmly."