This resource tracked statements, developments, visits, and other interactions in US-Indo-Pacific relations under the President Trump administration. Special focus was given to the comments and activities of President Donald J. Trump; Vice President Mike Pence; United States Trade Representative Ambassador Robert E. Lighthizer; Secretary of State Mike Pompeo; Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, Jr.; former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson; former Secretary of Defense James Mattis; and former Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark Esper.
The Trump Administration & US - Indo-Pacific Relations
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Vice President Pence Interview with NBC's Lester Holt
"All options are on the table. I mean, as you've got in North Korea a country that is threatening the United States of America with ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons. But we really do believe there is a peaceable outcome here to the denuclearization of the North Korean peninsula, but it's going to take consistent and intensified pressure to do that. [...] But make no mistake about it. The United States of America has viable military options to deal with a nuclear threat from North Korea."
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Remarks by Vice President Pence in Press Gaggle Before Air Force Two Departure
"We’re standing in a country [Japan] that has literally seen ballistic missiles overfly their land twice in a single month. And they’ve seen multiple ballistic missiles land within their economic zone, in the Sea of Japan. American Forces Japan and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan are ready for any eventuality, and we will continue to make it clear to all parties that the United States and our allies in this region stand ready at a moment’s notice to defend our people and defend our way…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence to Troops at Yokota Air Base
"For nearly 60 years, the sons and daughters of our two nations have stood together in defense of our most cherished values. To this day, our alliance is the cornerstone of peace, prosperity, and freedom in the Indo-Pacific. And as Prime Minister Abe and I agreed just yesterday, the bond between the United States and Japan has never been stronger than it is today."
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President Trump's Call with Prime Minister Modi
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. The leaders pledged to continue working together to enhance security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Affirming President Trump’s South Asia strategy, they reiterated their commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s security and stability. Both leaders expressed concern about the political crisis in Maldives and the importance of respect for democratic institutions and rule of law. They also exchanged views on Burma and ways to address the plight of the Rohingya refugees. President Trump…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence and President Moon of the Republic of Korea Before Bilateral Meeting
"Well, thank you President Moon for the warm welcome. I am honored to join you for my first time at the Blue House and my second time, as Vice President of the United States, to the Republic of Korea. [...] For now nearly 70 years, our two nations have been joined together in peace and in prosperity, and in the security of both of our peoples in the Indo-Pacific. And to be able to be here, to be able to share this great moment in…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence and Prime Minister Abe of Japan in Joint Statements
"Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for your leadership and your actions to strengthen Japan’s role in our alliance. As we discussed today, the United States is committed to provide Japan with additional cutting-edge defense systems, and our nations are now working together to deliver these new defense systems as quickly as possible. The people of Japan can be assured: The full range of the Armed Forces of the United States will continue to be dedicated to the protection of Japan. And working together, the United…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence and Prime Minister Abe of Japan Before Bilateral Meeting
"Mr. Prime Minister, I say to you and I say to all the people of Japan: On behalf of President Trump, the United States is with you in this challenge, and we will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Japan, the people of South Korea, and our allies and partners across the region until we achieve the global objective of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and we end the provocations and threats that North Korea has presented to this region and to…
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Press Briefing by Secretary Mattis
"As far as the situation with Korea, it is firmly in the diplomatic lane. We have seen much stronger diplomatic action, for example, the last three United Nations Security Council resolutions — unanimous. And how often do you see France and Russia; PRC, China; and the United States, Great Britain all voting — and other countries — all voting unanimously? I think that makes it very clear this is firmly in the diplomatic lane."
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Secretary Mattis Remarks on The National Defense Strategy and the Nuclear Posture Review
"Nuclear delivery system development over the last eight years shows numerous advances by Russia, China, and North Korea versus the near absence of such activity by the United States, with competitors and adversaries’ developing 34 new systems as compared to only one for the U.S.—the F-35 aircraft."
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Press Gaggle by Vice President Pence
"Well, first and foremost, President Trump asked me to travel to the region for several reasons. Number one, to strengthen the relationship between the United States and our allies in Japan and South Korea. We’ll be meeting in the coming days with Prime Minister Abe, with President Moon, and we’ll be talking about the strength of our alliance. And I look forward to reinforcing the important priority that President Trump and the United States places on the relationship with these two nations. Secondly, we’ll collectively…
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Remarks by Secretary Mattis and Korean Defense Minister Han
"The United States stands by its commitments and we stand with our ally, the South Korean people. Our alliance is a testament to mutual commitment and respect and it is a linchpin of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. In cooperation with all our allies and partners, the United States seeks to ensure a peaceful, secure and free Asia-Pacific region. Our warm, respectful and mutual supporting relationship shows what democracies can accomplish when guided by a spirit of collaboration in defense of peace and…