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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Secretary Pompeo's Interview With Buena Bernal of Channel News Asia - Alliance with the Philippines
"QUESTION: The Philippines under President Rodrigo Duterte has what it calls a constructive strategy in dealing with China – enhancing trade and economic ties while refusing to raise its victory before an international arbitral tribunal that favors its South China Sea claim. The Philippines is sending a ship to the Chinese Navy’s anniversary this April, and it’s also had a framework on a possible joint oil and gas exploration. Do you think this strategy is effective?
SECRETARY POMPEO: I had a great conversation with the…
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Secretary Ross' Remarks During CPAC [Conservative Political Action Conference] - China, Japan, and Southeast Asia
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Vice President Pence's Remarks at CPAC [Conservative Political Action Conference] 2019
"And the truth is, that effort for peace is nowhere more evident than in the progress that we’ve made in the Indo-Pacific over the last two years. It’s remarkable to think that when I stood at this podium two years ago, North Korea was engaged in regular nuclear tests, launching missiles over Japan, threatening the United States and our allies.
Faced with this threat, President Trump rallied the world around an unprecedented pressure campaign. And the world has witnessed the results: No more nuclear tests…
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Secretary Pompeo's Call With Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China Yang Jiechi
"Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke with Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party and Director of the Chinese Communist Party Foreign Affairs Office Yang Jiechi on March 1. Secretary Pompeo provided Politburo Member Yang insights into the discussions in Hanoi between President Trump and Chairman Kim. He confirmed that the United Nations sanctions related to the DPRK remain a central pillar of the world’s effort to see a peaceful, stable, non-nuclear DPRK. They also discussed elements, including trade…
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Secretary Pompeo's Call With Foreign Minister Taro Kono of Japan
"Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke with Foreign Minister Kono of Japan on March 1 to discuss President Trump and Chairman Kim’s meetings during the U.S.-DPRK summit in Hanoi. Secretary Pompeo described next steps on DPRK engagement, and the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to the denuclearization of the DPRK. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Kono said that they looked forward to the U.S-Japan Security Consultative Committee (“2+2”) meeting later this year to strengthen bilateral security and defense cooperation."
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Secretary Pompeo's Call With Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-hwa of the Republic of Korea
"Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Foreign Minister Kang of the Republic of Korea. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Kang discussed the U.S.-DPRK summit in Hanoi. The two sides agreed to continue to closely coordinate on the denuclearization of the DPRK."
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks With Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr.
"SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you. Good morning, and thank you, Foreign Secretary Locsin, for the very warm welcome. I had a number of my West Point classmates that had the privilege to serve here. They all spoke very highly of the time in service. They loved the country, they loved the people, and they valued their opportunity to be partners with your country.
I told you I’d make it here during my first year, and I’m not sure you believed me, but I – but here…
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Secretary Pompeo's Interview With Karmina Constantino of ABS-CBN - Alliance with the Philippines and North Korea
"QUESTION: Welcome to the Philippines, Mr. Secretary. Thank you for joining us today.
SECRETARY POMPEO: It’s great to be with you. Thank you.
QUESTION: I want to begin with last night. Why the meet with President Duterte? What did you guys talk about?
SECRETARY POMPEO: We talked about the important relationship between our two countries across a broad spectrum. There’s a rich, deep, proud history between the Philippines and the United States. We want to continue that. That’s important for both of our nations’ economies…