Washington, D.C: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on August 25 for their first summit, with discussions expected to focus on defense cost-sharing, regional security, and China’s growing influence in the Asia-Pacific.

A central topic for the meeting is the financial responsibility for the approximately 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea. Seoul currently contributes over \$1 billion annually and has funded the construction of Camp Humphreys, the largest U.S. military base overseas. President Trump is expected to seek a significant increase in South Korea’s contribution, aiming for defense spending closer to 5 percent of GDP, up from the current 3.5 percent, a request that could strain bilateral relations.

The summit will also address U.S. strategic positioning in the region in response to China’s rising influence. The United States is considering repositioning its forces in South Korea to counter Beijing’s regional ambitions, a move that may complicate South Korea’s effort to balance its security alliance with the U.S. and its economic ties with China.

North Korea remains a shared concern. President Lee has taken steps to reduce tensions, including halting anti-North propaganda broadcasts and suspending certain military activities along the border. Despite these efforts, Pyongyang has dismissed them, with Kim Yo Jong labeling President Lee’s initiatives as “gibberish” and accusing South Korea of duplicity. The leaders are expected to discuss potential avenues for renewed dialogue with North Korea.

Economic cooperation will also feature prominently. Ahead of the summit, President Lee met with major South Korean business leaders to reinforce the U.S.–South Korea alliance and deepen economic security partnerships, particularly in manufacturing. A recent informal tariff agreement, where the U.S. imposed a 15 percent tariff on South Korean imports in exchange for a \$350 billion investment from Seoul, highlights the economic dimensions of the upcoming discussions.

The summit represents a critical moment in U.S.–South Korea relations, with outcomes likely to influence defense policy, regional security, and economic cooperation, shaping the alliance’s response to the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Asia-Pacific.