Tokyo, Nov. 18 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga denied on Monday a reported U.S. request that Japan boost its host-nation financial support for U.S. forces by 4.5-fold from the current level.

“There is no such fact,” Suga told a news conference.

“No negotiation is being held regarding a new special accord” to increase the Japanese burden, he added. “Costs are shared properly under a Japan-U.S. agreement.”

On Sunday, Defense Minister Taro Kono offered a similar view in Bangkok.