Nikkei reported on press remarks on Monday by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga, who commented on a recent U.S. media article about the Trump administration’s alleged idea of asking Japan, Germany and other allies to boost their monetary contributions for stationing U.S. troops on their soil. He was quoted as saying: “[Expenses for the U.S. military] are properly shared in accordance with a bilateral agreement…. The current financial arrangement is valid through March 2021, and negotiations for the next arrangement have not yet begun. The U.S. government is highly appreciative of Japan’s host nation support.”