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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Lao People's Democratic Republic National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, we send our congratulations on Laos’ National Day to President Bounnhang Vorachit and the people of Laos.
Our Comprehensive Partnership and Laos’ role as the U.S. Country Coordinator for ASEAN continues to strengthen our ties and yield new opportunities. The United States is honored to be a close and reliable partner with the people of Laos. Our steadfast support for Laos’ development goals, increasing commercial ties, and continued collaboration on war legacy and humanitarian…
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Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Abe of Japan Before Bilateral Meeting
"So it’s a great honor to be with my friend, Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, who has just had a very big success in his election. He won by a massive amount. And I’m not surprised at all.
I just want to say that we have many things that we’ll be talking about, in particular protection, military-type. Also trade — we’re doing a lot of business with Japan and trade. The deficit is coming down. It’s a massive deficit between the — between…
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Remarks by President Trump, Prime Minister Abe of Japan, and Prime Minister Modi of the Republic of India Before Trilateral Meeting
"Thank you very much. It’s a great honor to be with Prime Minister Modi of India, and, as you know, Prime Minister Abe of Japan. And we just had a great meeting, and we’re having now what we call a “trilat.”
The relationships between our three countries is extremely — extremely good, extremely strong. I think, with India, maybe stronger than ever. And with Japan, I think, stronger than ever. We’re doing very well together. We’re doing a lot of trade together. We’re doing a…
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Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Morrison of Australia Before Pull-Aside Meeting
"Thank you very much, everybody. It’s an honor to be with the Prime Minister of Australia, Prime Minister Morrison. And we’ve just gotten to know each other, and so far, so good, I have to tell you. I think it’s going to be a great relationship. And we certainly anticipate having a fantastic relationship — always — with Australia.
I know you’ve done a fantastic job in a very short period of time. You’ve done a lot of the things that they’ve wanted over there…
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President Trump's Remarks on Upcoming Meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping
"Q Mr. President, you’re going into a summit shortly. What is your sense about a trade deal with China? What do you expect to say to Mr. Xi?
THE PRESIDENT: I think we’re very close to doing something with China, but I don’t know that I want to do it because what we have right now is billions and billions of dollars coming into the United States in the form of tariffs or taxes. So I really don’t know.
But I will tell you…
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USTR Statement on China’s Auto Tariffs
"U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer today released the following statement regarding China’s tariffs on U.S.-produced automobiles:
'As the President has repeatedly noted, China’s aggressive, State-directed industrial policies are causing severe harm to U.S. workers and manufacturers. We are continuing to raise these issues with China. As of yet, China has not come to the table with proposals for meaningful reform.
'China’s policies are especially egregious with respect to automobile tariffs. Currently, China imposes a tariff of 40 percent on U.S. automobiles. This is more…
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President Trump's Remarks Before Marine One Departure - Climate Change and the Indo-Pacific
"Q Mr. President, have you read the climate report yet?
THE PRESIDENT: I’ve seen it, I’ve read some of it, and it’s fine.
Q They say economic impact could be devastating — of climate change.
THE PRESIDENT: Yeah. I don’t believe it.
Q You don’t believe it?
THE PRESIDENT: No. No. I don’t believe it. And here’s the other thing — you’re going to have to have China, and Japan, and all of Asia, and all of these other countries — you know, it —…
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President Trump's Remarks Before Marine One Departure - China
"Q Are you looking forward to a deal with Xi Jinping this week in Argentina? We’re all going to go down to cover you down there. Are you going to make a deal, do you think?
THE PRESIDENT: Which one? With China?
Q With Xi Jinping of China?
THE PRESIDENT: I could. I mean, it could happen. We have a good relationship.
Q What do you think —THE PRESIDENT: Here’s what the bottom line is: China has to treat us fairly. They haven’t been. They…