Trump beefs up shield

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s administration has asked Congress for $US4 billion ($A5.6 billion) more to support missile defence to counter the threat from North Korea, ahead of his first visit to South Korea since taking office in January.

“This request supports additional efforts to detect, defeat, and defend against any North Korean use of ballistic missiles against the United States, its deployed forces, allies, or partners,” Mr Trump wrote in a letter to Congress.

He made his request during his maiden trip to Asia as president, featuring repeated meetings with regional partners and others largely focused on how to address North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missiles programs. Mr Trump had originally asked for $US9.9 billion for the year ended September 30, 2018, for missile defence.

He also asked for $US700,000 to repair damage to navy ships after recent fatal collisions, and $US1.2 billion for increased troop levels in Afghanistan and the administration’s South Asia strategy.

The funds for South Asia would support the deployment of 3500 more troops.

The Republican leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives Armed Services Committees said they welcomed Mr Trump’s request.