US, ROK sign defense deal aimed at Trump-proofing alliance, day before election
Agreement outlines cost-sharing for US troop presence to counter North Korea, as Seoul braces for Harris or Trump
U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Phillip Goldberg and ROK Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul sign their copies of the 12th Special Measures Agreement (SMA) document on Nov. 4, 2024 | Image: ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The U.S. and South Korea formally signed their new defense cost-sharing deal on Monday, a move that appears aimed at Trump-proofing the alliance built to deter North Korea as American voters head to the polls.
Seoul also signaled its intent to “respond appropriately” no matter who wins the U.S. election on Tuesday, though experts anticipated bigger changes to DPRK policy if the former president returns to office.
The U.S. and South Korea formally signed their new defense cost-sharing deal on Monday, a move that appears aimed at Trump-proofing the alliance built to deter North Korea as American voters head to the polls.
Seoul also signaled its intent to “respond appropriately” no matter who wins the U.S. election on Tuesday, though experts anticipated bigger changes to DPRK policy if the former president returns to office.
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