US demands Japan triple spending on American troops to $19B, starting next year: Report - Anadolu Ajansı

The administration of US President Donald Trump has demanded that Japan nearly triple its financial contribution toward hosting American troops to more than 3 trillion yen ($19 billion) over five years beginning in fiscal 2027, local media reported Friday.

Tokyo is considering a counteroffer of approximately 1.5 trillion yen ($9.5 billion), citing the difficulty of meeting Washington's demand, Kyodo News reported, quoting diplomatic sources familiar with the negotiations.

"While 3 trillion yen over five years would be difficult to accept, there is a possibility to pay around 1.5 trillion yen," a diplomatic source said.

The proposed agreement would cover fiscal 2027 through 2031, replacing the current five-year arrangement worth 1.06 trillion yen ($6.7 billion), which expires next March.

Negotiations began in Tokyo this summer, with another round expected next week as both governments seek an agreement before year-end.

The proposed package could include annual spending exceeding 300 billion yen to strengthen US military facilities against potential attacks.

Japan is considering measures including relocating base functions underground and reinforcing structures against explosions and electromagnetic attacks, according to the report.

During his first presidential term, Trump also pressed Tokyo to shoulder a larger share of American military costs.

Japan, one of Washington's oldest military allies in the Asia-Pacific region, hosts more than 50,000 US military personnel alongside extensive American bases and military assets.