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 Meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Payne
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne today in Tokyo, Japan on the sidelines of the U.S.-Australia-India-Japan Ministerial (“the Quad”). Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Payne emphasized the importance of the Quad discussions to the promotion of peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also discussed their shared concerns regarding the People’s Republic of China’s malign activity in the region. Secretary Pompeo thanked Foreign Minister Payne for Australia’s leadership and coordination as a…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Suga
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga today in Tokyo, Japan. The Secretary and the Prime Minister reaffirmed that the U.S.-Japan Alliance is the cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity for the Indo-Pacific region. Secretary Pompeo and Prime Minister Suga also highlighted that our Alliance is built on a common foundation of a long –standing commitment to democracy, human rights, economic development, security, and people-to-people ties."
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Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi today in Tokyo, Japan. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Motegi highlighted the U.S.-Japan Alliance as the cornerstone of the prosperity and security enjoyed by the American and Japanese people. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also stressed that the Alliance is essential to the future of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including joint efforts such as the Japan-U.S. Energy Partnership, Japan-U.S. Strategic Digital Economy Partnership, and Japan-U.S.-Mekong Power Partnership."
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Secretary Pompeo with Yoshio Arima of NHK - Indo-Pacific
"QUESTION: But during this very serious moment, you are visiting Japan, far away from White House. So why is that important? What is such important issues you have to talk with allies here in Tokyo?
SECRETARY POMPEO: So there were two reasons I needed to be here today. The first is I wanted to extend my congratulations and greetings to Prime Minister Suga, talk to him about the important bilateral relationship between our countries. We have a long, warm, historic relationship between the people of…
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Readout of Secretary Esper's Phone Call With Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi
"On October 6, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper spoke with Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi by phone to congratulate Minister Kishi on his appointment as Minister of Defense. Secretary Esper and Minister Kishi advanced ongoing discussions on the response to COVID-19, security issues in the Indo-Pacific region, and continued cooperation to implement U.S. forces realignment initiatives."
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Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar on the margins of the United States-India-Australia-Japan Quadrilateral Consultations. Secretary Pompeo and Minister Jaishankar discussed ongoing bilateral and multilateral cooperation on topics of international concern. They reaffirmed the strength of the United States-India relationship, reviewed our efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, and asserted the need to work together to advance peace, prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific and around the globe. The Secretary and the Minister agreed…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Quad Meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi, Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar, and Australian Foreign Minister Payne
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne to reaffirm collective Quad efforts to advance a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. In regard to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the participants discussed ways to deepen cooperation to create resilient supply chains, promote transparency, counter disinformation, and advance shared efforts to support a post-pandemic recovery.
The participants also reviewed recent strategic developments across the Indo-Pacific and…
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Secretary Pompeo Opening Remarks at Quad Ministerial
"SECRETARY POMPEO: Great, thank you. Good evening, everyone. Foreign Minister Motegi, thank you so much for hosting us, the second meeting of the Quad foreign ministers. I personally appreciate your hospitality. I know my whole team does.
Foreign Minister Payne, Foreign Minister Jaishankar, it’s great to be with you all again. So glad we could all meet here in Tokyo so soon after the new Suga administration has taken office. I’m confident that we can build on the good work of former Prime Minister Abe…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Mongolia’s President Battulga
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Mongolia’s President Khaltmaagiin Battulga. Secretary Pompeo and President Battulga discussed the strategic partnership between the United States and Mongolia, which is based on shared democratic values, a commitment to economic development, and deep people-to-people ties. The two also discussed working together to strengthen security in Asia, promote the rule of law, and support the traditional heritage and culture of all Mongolians, as well as the possibility of rescheduling the Secretary’s visit to Ulaanbaatar in the near…
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks at the Florida Family Policy Council Dinner Gala - China
"Just this past week – I mentioned – I was in Rome meeting with senior Vatican officials. I urged the Church to be a bold moral witness in defense of religious freedom, especially regarding China and the Chinese Communist Party’s staggering abuses.
I’m sure some of you have seen the list, but the reporters don’t like to talk about this much today:
One million or more Uyghurs and other Muslims are held in internment camps that rival the worst abuses that happened a century ago…
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USTR Initiates Vietnam Section 301 Investigation
At the direction of President Donald J. Trump, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is initiating an investigation addressing two significant issues with respect to Vietnam. USTR will investigate Vietnam’s acts, policies, and practices related to the import and use of timber that is illegally harvested or traded, and will investigate Vietnam’s acts, policies, and practices that may contribute to the undervaluation of its currency and the resultant harm caused to U.S. commerce. USTR will conduct the investigation under Section 301 of the…
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Secretary Pompeo Briefing with the Traveling Press - China
"QUESTION: Well, so you’ve talked about sharing the values – getting them to lean into the West, et cetera – but it sounded like the prime minister of Croatia was talking a lot about China. He wasn’t exactly rejecting China. So how did you feel that that message is getting through to him? He mentioned that both Greece and Croatia were part of the China Plus.
SECRETARY POMPEO: Just go look at what the European countries are saying today compared to what they were saying…