Trump Requests Transfer of U.S. Military Base Ownership
Joint Venture in Alaska Energy Projects Discussed
On the 25th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would request the transfer of ownership of U.S. military bases in South Korea to the South Korean government. He also expressed his intention to pursue a joint venture with South Korea regarding energy projects in Alaska.
During the South Korea-U.S. summit with President Lee Jaemyung at the White House that day, President Trump mentioned the U.S. military base sites, saying, "One of the things I want to do is to see if South Korea can transfer the ownership of the land to us while we operate these large-scale fortresses."
He added, "As you know, we spent a tremendous amount of money building these fortresses," emphasizing, "South Korea has contributed as well, but I want us to have ownership, not just a lease, while we operate these massive military bases."
This remark was made in response to a reporter's question regarding the possibility of reducing U.S. troops stationed in South Korea.
Regarding the issue of reducing U.S. troops in South Korea, he avoided giving a direct answer, saying, "We have always been friends and we still are," but did mention the issue of South Korea's share of defense costs (the cost of stationing U.S. troops in South Korea).
President Trump stated, "We have more than 40,000 troops stationed in South Korea," and pointed out, "During my term, South Korea agreed to share the costs, but when Biden (former President Joe Biden) took office, they complained, and Biden, who is not a good person, gave up billions of dollars."
President Trump also brought up the Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.
He said, "We are negotiating with South Korea regarding the Alaska issue," and added, "South Korea needs oil, and we have oil, which gives us a big advantage. We plan to pursue a joint venture with South Korea." He continued, "Japan is also deeply involved in this project," and "We are bringing South Korea and Japan together. In fact, an agreement is getting close."
President Trump also spoke about the purchase of American-made weapons, saying, "We produce the world's best military equipment," and added, "South Korea is a major purchaser, and we will discuss this."
In addition, President Trump expressed his intention to cooperate with South Korea in the shipbuilding industry.
At the start of the summit, he said, "We will have many discussions today regarding shipbuilding," and emphasized, "The U.S. shipbuilding industry has become quite devastated. Now we have to buy from South Korea, but I hope that through cooperation with South Korea, ships will once again be built in the United States."
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