The Trump Administration & US - Indo-Pacific Relations

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.

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Secretary Pompeo's Meeting with North Korean Officials Postponed

"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo’s meeting with officials from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, scheduled for this week in New York, will now take place at a later date. We will reconvene when our respective schedules permit. Ongoing conversations continue to take place. The United States remains focused on fulfilling the commitments agreed to by President Trump and Chairman Kim at the Singapore Summit in June."

U.S. Department of Commerce Finds Dumping and Subsidization of Imports of Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from China

"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative final determinations in the first antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) trade cases the Federal government has initiated since 1985. These investigations, concerning Chinese imports of common alloy aluminum sheet, were initiated by the Enforcement and Compliance division of the Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration under the authority granted to the Secretary in the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended.

“President Trump has been clear in the need for drastic action to defend American…

President Trump's Remarks in Press Conference After Midterm Elections - Japan

"Q Mr. President, can you tell us how you focus on the economic —

THE PRESIDENT: Where are you from, please?

Q Japan. Prime Minister Abe.

THE PRESIDENT: Okay. Say hello. Say hello to Shinzo.

Q Yes.

THE PRESIDENT: I’m sure he’s happy about tariffs on his cars. Go ahead.

Q That’s my question, actually. So how you focus on the trade and economic issues with Japan? Will you ask Japan to do more? Will you change your tone?

THE PRESIDENT: I don’t — I…

President Trump's Remarks in Press Conference After Midterm Elections - North Korea

"Q Thank you, Mr. President. Two international questions. The first one: Secretary Pompeo’s talks with North Korea have been postponed. What is happening there?

THE PRESIDENT: Yeah, nothing —

Q And will your meeting still happen with —

THE PRESIDENT: No, we’re going to change it because of trips that are being made. We’re going to make it at another date. But we’re very happy how it’s going with North Korea. We think it’s going fine. We’re in no rush. We’re in no hurry. The…

President Trump's Remarks in Press Conference After Midterm Elections - China

Q But what about the — Mr. President, what about the divides in this country? Mr. President, what about healing the divides in this country — addressing those issues, specifically?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, we want to see — we want to see it healed. And one of the things I think that can help heal is the success of our country. We are really successful now. We’ve gone up $11.7 trillion in — in worth.

If you know, China has come down tremendously. Tremendously. China…

Kingdom of Cambodia's Independence Day

"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I wish to extend congratulations to the people of Cambodia on the 65th anniversary of your independence on November 9.

The strong bond between the U.S. and Cambodian peoples benefits both our countries. Every year, more than 170,000 American tourists experience the beauty and history that Cambodia has to offer, while we in the United States enjoy the many contributions of our Cambodian-American community to the rich and diverse fabric of our society.

We…

On the Occasion of Diwali

"On behalf of the Department of State, I would like to wish all those celebrating Diwali a joyous and prosperous holiday.

Also known as the “Festival of Lights,” this special occasion celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. Nearly a billion celebrants from around the world will light the diya, or lamp, as a reminder that good ultimately overcomes evil, understanding over ignorance, and kindness over animosity. Diwali is also a time of reflection and prayer when observers perform seva, or selfless service, without any…

President Trump's Remarks at Rally in Missouri - China

President Trump Rally in Indiana - Trade with Japan and China

Secretary Pompeo's Interview With John Dickerson of CBS Face the Nation - North Korea

QUESTION: Let me ask you a question about North Korea. You have talks this week. North Korea is saying they might restart their nuclear program if the U.S. does not start lifting sanctions. Is it still the U.S. position that North Korea will not see any economic sanctions lift until there is complete denuclearization?

SECRETARY POMPEO: So, John, I will. I’ll be in New York City at the end of this week meeting with my counterpart, Kim Yong-chol. I expect we’ll make some real progress…

Secretary Pompeo's Interview With Chris Wallace of Fox News Sunday - North Korea

"QUESTION: Meanwhile, let’s turn to another one of your hotspots you’re dealing with. North Korea is now threatening to resume its nuclear buildup because they say that the U.S. has not matched them in offering concessions, in this case lifting economic sanctions. They say that they’ve made concession and the Trump administration has not followed suit.

SECRETARY POMPEO: Chris, I’ll be meeting this week in New York City with my counterpart Kim Yong-chol. We’ll have a good opportunity to continue the denuclearization discussions that were…