The Trump Administration & US - Indo-Pacific Relations

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.

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Secretary Ross on Nafta, China, and Border Adjustment Tax

Secretary Tillerson's Meeting With State Councilor of the People's Republic of China (PRC) Yang Jiechi

"United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met today with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and affirmed the importance of a constructive bilateral relationship and of regular high-level engagement between the United States and China. The Secretary and the State Councilor discussed the importance of improving and maintaining a mutually beneficial economic relationship between the two largest economies in the world. They also discussed areas of mutual concern, including North Korea’s nuclear programs. The State Councilor extended an invitation for the Secretary to visit Beijing…

Secretary Tillerson's Meeting With State Councilor of the People's Republic of China (PRC) Yang Jiechi

"United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met today with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and affirmed the importance of a constructive bilateral relationship and of regular high-level engagement between the United States and China. The Secretary and the State Councilor discussed the importance of improving and maintaining a mutually beneficial economic relationship between the two largest economies in the world. They also discussed areas of mutual concern, including North Korea’s nuclear programs. The State Councilor extended an invitation for the Secretary to visit Beijing…

President Trump's Interview with Reuters - Missile Defense Systems

[When asked about accelerating missile defense systems for Japan and South Korea] "There's talks of a lot more than that. We’ll see what happens. But it’s a very dangerous situation, and China can end it very quickly in my opinion. ... It’s one of many things that can be done. Missile defense is one of many things that can be done.”

President Trump's Interview with Reuters - China and the South China Sea

"Many things took place that should not have been allowed. One of them is the building of a massive, you know, massive military complex in the middle of the South China Sea [by China]. And don't forget I've only been here for four weeks. This is something that took place and has been started three years ago and you were in a much better negotiating position three years ago. I am not happy about it."

President Trump's Meeting with Manufacturing CEOs at the White House - China

"With China, we have close to a $500-billion trade deficit. So we have to do something. I spoke to the President, I spoke to many people. We’re going to work on that very, very hard, and we’re going to do things that are the proper things to do. [...] And 70,000 factories closed since China joined the WTO -- 70,000 factories. So when I used to give that statistic, I used to talk about and I always thought it was a typo. I said, it…

Secretary Tillerson's Phone Call with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi

"Today, United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spoke by phone with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi. Secretary Tillerson and State Councilor Yang affirmed the importance of a constructive bilateral relationship. The two sides agreed on the need to address the threat that North Korea poses to regional stability. The Secretary and State Councilor also discussed economics and trade, and potential cooperation on counterterrorism, law enforcement and transnational crime."

Secretary Tillerson's Meeting with Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi

"Today, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met for the first time with Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Wang Yi. Secretary Tillerson and Minister Wang noted the recent call between leaders and discussed efforts to advance bilateral cooperation while addressing differences in a constructive manner. Secretary Tillerson also highlighted the increasing threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and urged China to use all available tools to moderate North Korea’s destabilizing behavior. The two also discussed the need to create a…

President Trump's Call with Chinese President Xi

"President Donald J. Trump and President Xi Jinping of China had a lengthy telephone conversation on Thursday evening. The two leaders discussed numerous topics and President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our “one China” policy. Representatives of the United States and China will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest. The phone call between President Trump and President Xi was extremely cordial, and both leaders extended best wishes to the people of each other’s countries. They…

White House Conference with Business Leaders - China

"If you want to take a plant or you want to do something, you want to sell something into China and other countries, it's very, very hard. In some cases, it's impossible. They won't even take your product."

Secretary Ross Confirmation Hearing Remarks - China's Trade Practices