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 Remarks on New Zealand Waitangi Day
"Waitangi Day reminds us of our two nations’ long, deep, and enduring friendship. The first U.S. Consul to New Zealand, James Reddy Clendon, was there to witness Te Tiriti o Waitangi in February 1840.
One hundred eighty years since the first U.S. Consul to Aotearoa was appointed, the United States and New Zealand remain steadfast partners. We appreciate New Zealand’s renewed pledge to bolster security and prosperity in the region through the Pacific Reset policy. This past year, we increased cooperation between our two countries…
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Secretary Ross' Op-Ed on Trade Reciprocity - Japan, South Korea, China
"Americans live in a world where other countries impose high tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade. U.S. exporters face enormous obstacles in foreign markets, and yet, we maintain the most free and open market of any major country in the world.
We have zero tariffs on 61 percent of the total value of our imports, more than 17,000 product types. On thousands of additional products, our tariffs are lower than the tariffs other countries impose. For example, our 2.5 percent tariff on cars is far…
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Secretary Pompeo's Interview With Maria Bartiromo of Mornings With Maria on Fox Business Network - North Korea and China
"QUESTION: The President breaking some news last night about this new meeting that he’s got on the books with Kim Jong-un. You’re among the few people that has been there meeting with Kim Jong-un. What should we expect in terms of a breakthrough from this upcoming summit?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Well, it’s a real opportunity for the world. I have a team on the ground in Pyongyang even as we speak beginning to lay those foundations for the meetings that’ll happen at the end of this…
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Secretary Pompeo's Interview With Trish Regan of Trish Regan Primetime on Fox Business Network - North Korea
"QUESTION: Let me switch to North Korea. We’ve got a lot, by the way; that’s why it’s going around the world. We can certainly take our pick here. But when you look at North Korea and – do you see that as a success? I mean, the President is saying he avoided war with North Korea. Was it that close?
SECRETARY POMPEO: You remember what President Obama told him when they had their conversation. He said it was the biggest threat that President Trump and…
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Secretary Ross's Comments on the State of the Union Address- China
"In his State of the Union address, President Trump laid out an optimistic bipartisan vision to continue building on the accomplishments of his first two years in office. Under President Trump’s leadership, common-sense policies have brought hope to the forgotten American worker. The President’s strong defense and foreign policy initiatives have restored American leadership on the international stage. Importantly, the President has made clear that economic strength is critical to national defense. Through his economic policies, such as the 232 tariffs, President Trump has strengthened…
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President Trump’s State of the Union Address - China
"To build on our incredible economic success, one priority is paramount — reversing decades of calamitous trade policies.
We are now making it clear to China that after years of targeting our industries, and stealing our intellectual property, the theft of American jobs and wealth has come to an end.
Therefore, we recently imposed tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods — and now our Treasury is receiving billions of dollars a month from a country that never gave us a dime. But I don’t…
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President Trump’s State of the Union Address - North Korea
"As part of a bold new diplomacy, we continue our historic push for peace on the Korean Peninsula. Our hostages have come home, nuclear testing has stopped, and there has not been a missile launch in 15 months. If I had not been elected President of the United States, we would right now, in my opinion, be in a major war with North Korea with potentially millions of people killed. Much work remains to be done, but my relationship with Kim Jong Un is a…
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Presidential Message in Celebration of the Lunar New Year
"Melania and I send our greetings to those celebrating the Lunar New Year.
Today, people across the United States and around the world mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year with spectacular fireworks displays, joyful festivals, and family gatherings. This is a sacred time for many people of Asian descent, and it is an opportunity for all Americans to honor the important contributions these communities have made to the story of American greatness.
As families, friends, and loved ones gather to welcome the Year…
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USTR Lighthizer’s Statement on the State of the Union Address - China
“In his State of the Union address, President Trump outlined a visionary trade agenda that resonates across party lines and will accelerate America’s manufacturing resurgence, expand export opportunities for our farmers, ranchers and small businesses, and promote America’s leadership in today’s digital economy. The President is confronting China’s unfair trade practices, working to open new trade negotiations with countries around the world, and replacing NAFTA with an innovative, landmark agreement for the 21st century – the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This new agreement is a…
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks on Celebrating the Lunar New Year
"Please accept my best wishes to our friends around the world celebrating the Lunar New Year on February 5.
During this new lunar year, let us continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship with allies and partners as we invite all nations to join us in the endeavor to build a better world for future generations.
May the Year of the Pig bring great health, happiness, and prosperity for all."
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks on Himalayan New Year (Losar)
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer my warmest wishes to the peoples of the Himalayan region and Tibetans throughout the world -- including those in Bhutan, Nepal, India, and the Tibetan areas of the People’s Republic of China -- in celebrating Losar.
As you, your families, and your communities gather this year to celebrate the New Year, know that the United States remains your steadfast partner and friend."