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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Readout of Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper's Meetings in Japan
"Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper met with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahisa Sato in Tokyo today as the fourth stop in his first visit to the Indo-Pacific region since assuming his position. During all of his meetings, Secretary Esper emphasized the increasingly important role the U.S.-Japan alliance plays in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region, reaffirmed commitment to achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea, and…
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Media Availability by Secretary Esper En Route to Tokyo
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MARK T. ESPER: Yeah, so first things first.
First good few days, and -- in Australia and -- and New Zealand. I think I often just (inaudible) since I had a chance in each country to meet with my counterpart and fellow defense minister and I had a chance to meet with the foreign ministers, and I had a chance to even meet with -- or chat with the prime ministers of each country. So very good -- very good in that…