US seeks $19B from Japan for troop costs; Tokyo counters with $9.5B

The US has reportedly demanded Japan triple its host-nation support payments to $19 billion starting next year, while Tokyo is considering a counteroffer of $9.5 billion over five years. The gap is wide, and both sides aim to reach an agreement by year-end. This is a significant negotiation over burden-sharing that could affect US force posture in the Indo-Pacific and set a precedent for other allies.

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