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 Mattis’s Meeting with Singaporean Minister of Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis met with the Singapore Minister of Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen today during the 2018 Association of Southeast Asian Nations Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM-Plus). The two leaders reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the U.S.-Singapore defense relationship and discussed efforts to strengthen cooperation, to include counterterrorism and maritime security. Secretary Mattis thanked Dr. Ng for Singapore’s support enabling the United States’ presence in the region and reiterated his commitment to exploring training opportunities for the Republic of Singapore Air Force…
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Secretary Mattis’s Meeting with India Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitharaman at the 2018 ADMM-Plus
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis met with Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitharaman today for the second time in many months, to reaffirm the long-standing defense relationship between the United States and India during the 2018 Association of Southeast Asian Nations Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM-Plus).The leaders discussed a broad range of defense and policy issues, and the secretary thanked Minister Sitharaman for her country’s commitment to a prosperous, enduring relationship with the United States.They agreed to continue expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia."
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Secretary Mattis's Interview With Sabrina Bacal of TVN - China
"QUESTION: Last month the State Department called Charge Cabral for consultations along with the ambassadors of El Salvador and the Dominican Republic. The main issue discussed was China’s growing influence in the region. Do you have any message you wish to deliver in this regard?
SECRETARY POMPEO: So America wants good things for the people of Panama and for the region, and so we want to make sure when there are countries that invest, China included, that they’re done in a way that is consistent…
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks to Traveling Press - China's Investment in Panama
"QUESTION: Are there specific projects in Panama that you’re eyeing, sort of Chinese investment or Chinese intervention in certain projects in Panama?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Yeah, but I don’t want to say anything. We just – it’s a broader – but the importance isn’t that China is out competing in the world. We welcome that. It’s when the state-owned enterprises show up in a way that is clearly not transparent, clearly not market-driven, and is designed not to benefit the people of Panama but rather to…
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Secretary Mattis's Meeting with Vietnam Minister of National Defense Ngo Xuan Lich
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis met with Vietnam Minister of National Defense Ngo Xuan Lich for the fifth time today to reaffirm the long-standing defense relationship between the United States and Vietnam. The leaders discussed a broad range of defense issues, to include increasing cooperation in the areas of maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and peacekeeping. They also confirmed close cooperation on addressing legacy of war issues and accounting for U.S. personnel missing from the Vietnam War. Secretary Mattis noted his visit…
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President Trump's Remarks in a Cabinet Meeting - China
"We’re in a position where we’re in very good shape with China. China wants to make a deal. And we’re just — I’m just saying they’re not ready yet. I told them, “You’re not ready to make a deal yet.” And I don’t blame China. I blame the people that were in charge of running our country, for allowing that to happen. China was taking out $500 billion a year — and more. And that should never have been allowed to happen.
But likewise, other…
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USTR Lighthizer's Announcement on Trade Agreement Negotiations with Japan
"In accordance with section 105(a)(l)(A) of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (the Trade Priorities and Accountability Act), and pursuant to authority delegated to me by the President, I am pleased to notify Congress that the President intends to initiate negotiations on a U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement. We will consult closely with Congress in developing our negotiating positions to ensure that they are consistent with Congressional priorities and objectives outlined in section 102 of the Trade Priorities and Accountability Act. We intend…
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Secretary Mattis's Remarks en route to Vietnam - Indo-Pacific
"Okay. We're headed -- and that's not up right now, but we're headed west -- trust me -- for the Indo-Pacific. It is a priority theater, as you all know. We'll be going -- stopping first in Vietnam. This is my second trip there. I've met several times with my counterpart. More about that in a minute.Then we're going down to Singapore. Basically, the defense ministers get together there for ASEAN plus. In other words, there's also one from outside ASEAN, which makes it a…