20200116 美外交與防長聯名投書，要求韓國增加國防負擔比例

South Korea Is an Ally, Not a Dependent    Michael R. Pompeo and Mark T. Esper DoS 20200116

American presidents have long asked allies to pay more for their own defense—often with lackluster results.  But both the U.S. and South Korea now face strategic challenges so large and complex that neither country can afford to allow the status quo to continue.  That’s the context of America’s discussions with South Korea about a new special measures agreement.

The U.S.-South Korea alliance is the linchpin of peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia.  Shared values of democracy, the rule of law and open economies form the foundation of an alliance that is as vital today as it was in 1953.  America’s longstanding commitment and presence have enabled South Korea to develop a vibrant democracy and the world’s 12th-largest economy.  Together, we celebrate this success.

In past decades South Korea has made major contributions to the alliance.  It has modernized its fighter aircraft and enhanced antisubmarine and ballistic-missile defense capabilities.  President Moon Jae-in’s government increased South Korea’s defense budget by 8.2% in 2019 and intends to raise it by a further 7.1% annually until 2024.  South Korean forces have deployed in support of U.S.-led coalitions in places such as Afghanistan, Iraq and the Persian Gulf.  South Korea also intends to procure military equipment that reflects a commitment to force modernization.  The U.S. is grateful for these contributions.

But as sovereign allies, we must find a better way to share the costs of defense with South Korea and secure a stable and prosperous future for the Korean people.  We are in an age of unprecedented threats that demand robust responses and team efforts.  As a global economic powerhouse and an equal partner in the preservation of peace on the Korean Peninsula, South Korea can and should contribute more to its defense.

Today South Korea bears no more than one-third of the costs most directly associated with the stationing of U.S. forces on the Korean Peninsula.  As these costs rise, South Korea’s share is shrinking.  Moreover, these narrowly defined costs are only one part of the picture.  America’s contributions to South Korea’s defense in this highly technological age—including some advanced capabilities Seoul still needs to acquire—far exceed the cost of U.S. “boots on the ground” and constitute a far larger burden for the American taxpayer than meets the eye.

The current special measures agreement captures only a portion of the cost of defending South Korea.  The U.S. believes it should cover more.  As we improve the burden-sharing arrangement, both sides will benefit.  More than 90% of South Korea’s cost-sharing contributions currently go right back into the local economy in the form of salaries for South Korean nationals employed by U.S. Forces Korea, construction contracts, and other services purchased locally to sustain an American presence. It’s good for both nations.

Right now the two countries are again engaged in tough negotiations.  The U.S. remains firmly committed to reaching a mutually beneficial and equitable agreement that will strengthen the alliance and combined defense far into the future.  South Korea’s taking on a greater share of the load will ensure the alliance remains the linchpin of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, in Northeast Asia—and across the world.

米国務長官と国防長官、米紙寄稿で韓国に駐留経費の負担増要求    産経20200125

ポンペオ国務長官とエスパー国防長官は１７日付の米紙ウォールストリート・ジャーナルに連名で寄稿し、２０２０年以降の在韓米軍駐留経費の負担割合をめぐる米韓協議に関連し「韓国は自国の防衛に一層貢献すべきだ」と訴え、韓国の負担増を求めた。

　寄稿は「韓国は同盟国であり、（米国の）従属国ではない」と題し、「米韓同盟は北東アジアの平和と繁栄の要だ」としつつも、「韓国は在韓米軍駐留に直接関連する費用の３分の１しか負担していない」と指摘した。

　また、韓国について「世界的な経済大国で、朝鮮半島の平和維持における対等なパートナーだ」とし、「防衛費用の負担拡大を韓国が引き受けることで、米韓同盟が朝鮮半島や北東アジア、世界の平和と繁栄の要であり続けることは確実だ」と強調した。

　在韓米軍駐留経費の協議をめぐっては、トランプ政権は昨年の負担額の約５倍を要求したことに韓国の文在寅（ムン・ジェイン）政権が反発して難航。負担割合を規定する米韓の協定が昨年末に期限切れを迎えた中、引き続き政府間協議が続けられている。

　今年開始が予定される在日米軍の駐留経費に関しても、米政権が大幅な負担増を求めてくる見通しだ。