Political turmoil in Korea leads to “setbacks in US-Japan-South Korea relationship… will work to improve Japan-South Korea relations”
(Washington AFP=Yonhap News) President Donald Trump’s nominee for the US Ambassador to Japan, George Glass, spoke at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing on the 13th (local time).
(Washington=Yonhap News) Correspondent Kim Dong-hyun = The nominee for the US Ambassador to Japan under the Trump administration stated that containing China in the Indo-Pacific region would be costly and that the Trump administration will request Japan to bear more of the cost for the US military presence.
George Glass, the nominee for the US Ambassador to Japan, stated at the Senate confirmation hearing on the 13th (local time) that while Japan has consistently supported approximately $1.4 billion annually for the US military presence in Japan, the cost has “become far more expensive” due to conflicts between the US and China.
He noted that housing costs for the US military, as well as the upgrading costs for weapons and command and control systems, would be “very expensive,” adding, “So, I undoubtedly think we will go to the Japanese to discuss increasing their support.”
Japan will need to newly negotiate the Special Measures Agreement (SMA) on defense cost-sharing with the US in 2027.
In written testimony, Glass stated, “I will ensure that Japan continues to increase its support for regional defense, our allies, and our personnel to guarantee peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.”
He mentioned in his written testimony that there will be tough conversations with Japan about tariffs and reducing our trade deficit.
He also referred to Japan’s promise, during the US-Japan summit last month, to purchase US-produced liquefied natural gas (LNG) to reduce the US trade deficit and increase the defense budget, pledging to ensure Japan keeps that promise.
During the hearing, Glass noted that the US was “putting pressure on Japan to take the lead” in containing China in the Indo-Pacific.
He emphasized the importance of quickly delivering the approximately $50 billion worth of military equipment that Japan ordered from the US.
During the hearing, Senator Chris Coons (Democrat-Delaware) asked Glass what efforts he would make to enhance the trilateral US-Japan-South Korea relationship.
Glass responded, “We must all watch with patience what unfolds in Korea, which is effectively in a state of turmoil.”
He added, “We have to see what outcomes emerge, but it is undoubtedly a setback in not only the bilateral relationship between Japan and Korea but also in strengthening the trilateral (US-Japan-South Korea) relationship we are striving for.”
He stated that he would focus on improving Japan’s multilateral relations with other countries, especially with South Korea and the Philippines.