03 Feb

Japan and the United States have discussed Japan's contribution to the cost of stationing US forces in the country for the first time since President Joe Biden took office.

The working-level talks were held via video link on Tuesday.

Details regarding the negotiations are not available. But Japan is proposing that the two countries sign a provisional agreement for fiscal 2021 that would leave the sum the same as the current fiscal year's amount. It is also proposing that separate negotiations be held for the following years. The fiscal year begins in April.

Japan's share of the costs is agreed upon every five years. The latest talks started in November under the administration of former President Donald Trump, but the two sides did not reach an agreement.

The Biden administration has reportedly reacted in a positive way to Japan's proposal.

The two sides are expected to continue to negotiate ahead of the current agreement's expiration, which is in March.

nhk