US Secretary of Defense Nominee "Will Push for Early Conclusion of Defense Cost-Sharing Talks with Korea Upon Confirmation"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Lloyd Austin, the nominee for U.S. Secretary of Defense, stated on the 19th (local time) that if confirmed, he will conclude the defense cost-sharing negotiations with Korea early.

In a written response submitted to the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that day, nominee Austin said, "If confirmed, I will focus on modernizing alliances in the Indo-Pacific region, and as part of that effort, I will push for an early conclusion of the defense cost-sharing negotiations with Korea."

The U.S.-South Korea defense cost-sharing negotiations have been stalled amid the Trump administration's demands for a significant increase.

Nominee Austin was nominated by President-elect Joe Biden, and if confirmed by the Senate, he will become the first African American U.S. Secretary of Defense.