South Korea’s Defence Minister Kim Jang-Soo on Friday criticised the top US military commander in the country for “inappropriate” remarks about sharing the cost of American forces. In a US Senate hearing earlier this week, General BB Bell said the future of work to relocate US military bases could depend on whether South Korea is willing to pay a larger share. “Without more equitable allied SMA (Special Measures Agreement) funding, we may be forced to recommend a range of fiscal measures to the US government, including a review of base relocation and consolidation plans,” Bell said. Kim expressed regret at the comments. “It was inappropriate for the commander to talk about the possibility of reviewing the base relocation project that was agreed with the South Korean government,” he told reporters. Kim said Bell’s remarks appeared aimed more at seeking greater financial support from Washington, rather than targeting the Seoul authorities. “Nonetheless, it was inappropriate,” he said. The US has stationed tens of thousands of troops in South Korea since the end of the 1950-53 war to help it defend itself against North Korea’s 1.1 million-strong military.