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.

Methodology

All Posts

Secretary Pompeo's Travel to Tokyo, [Japan,] Pyongyang, [North Korea,] Seoul, [South Korea,] and Beijing [China]

"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo will travel to Tokyo, Japan; Pyongyang, DPRK; Seoul, Republic of Korea; and Beijing, China from October 6-8.

In Tokyo, October 6-7, the Secretary will meet with Prime Minister Abe and Foreign Minister Taro Kono.

In Pyongyang, October 7, the Secretary will meet with Chairman Kim Jong Un.

In Seoul, October 7-8, the Secretary will meet with President Moon Jae-in, and Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha.

In Beijing, October 8, the Secretary will meet with his Chinese counterparts to discuss bilateral…

President Trump's Remarks at Rally in Mississippi - Trade with South Korea and Japan

Press Conference by President Trump - Trade with Japan and South Korea

"We’ve covered a great deal of territory. Just left, as you know, Prime Minister Abe of Japan. We’re starting trade talks with Japan. They were not willing, for years, to talk trade, and now they’re willing to talk trade. And I’m sure we’ll make a very good deal.

Just concluded, as you know — two days ago, signed a deal with South Korea — a trade deal. A tremendous deal with South Korea. It means a lot of business for our farmers. We’re opening up…

Secretary Mattis's Remarks at Press Gaggle - South Korea

"Q: Do you agree with General [Robert] Abrams [nominee to serve as next commander of U.S. Forces Korea] that there's been a slight degradation in the capabilities of the readiness of U.S. forces in South Korea? SEC. MATTIS: Well, if you -- if you -- if you emphasize the word slight, certainly if you're not training today then you could say there's a slight degradation. Is it notable? Is it material? I think that's why he put the word slight in there. So there --…

Secretary Mattis's Remarks on North Korea's Denuclearization

President Trump's Remarks with South Korea's President Moon - Trade and North Korea

"We’ve had terrific talks on trade. And we’ll be signing, in a little while, a very important trade agreement with South Korea and the United States. And I think it’s a very exciting event.

It was a long time in coming, and it’s a basic redoing of the agreement that was done before, which was a very unfair agreement for the United States. And I think that President Moon and myself, we’re very happy. It’s great for South Korea. It’s great for the United States…

Joint Statement on the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement

"We, the Presidents of the United States of America and the Republic of Korea, hereby reaffirm our close alliance and the importance of maintaining strong, mutually beneficial trade and economic ties between our peoples.

We welcome the successful conclusion of negotiations between our governments that have resulted in amendments and modifications to improve the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

With today’s signing of our newly concluded agreement, we pledge to direct our officials to move forward with additional steps, as required in our respective countries…

President Trump’s Meeting with President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea

"Today, President Donald J. Trump met with President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea in New York. President Moon shared with President Trump the outcomes of the September 2018 inter-Korean summit, which included Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Chairman Kim Jong Un’s reiteration of his commitment to complete denuclearization. President Trump commended President Moon on conducting a successful third inter-Korean summit with Chairman Kim, and noted that there remained much work to be done to accomplish their mutual goal of achieving the final, fully…

Vice President Pence's Remarks at Presentation of the U.S. Flag to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation

"We cherish our alliance with the Republic of Korea, well represented here today by not only their ambassador, but members of their military. It is an alliance forged in freedom, on the battlefield, and through generations. And as the world saw this week, we continue to make progress toward our goal of forging a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula free of nuclear weapons.

As we’re all aware, just recently, Kim Jong Un announced his commitment to allow nuclear inspections subject to final negotiations, and…

Secretary Pompeo's Remarks on the Republic of Korea [South Korea]'s Chuseok Holiday

"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America and the American people, I would like to wish the Korean people a very warm Chuseok holiday. During this time for homecoming and family gatherings, good food, and friendly gifts, we join you in giving thanks for the many blessings of this life and connecting with loved ones.

On this day of reflection, thanksgiving, and family, we are reminded of the strength of the U.S.-Republic of Korea Alliance that is based on our shared…

Secretary Pompeo's Remarks on the Outcome of Summit Meeting Between South Korea's President Moon and North Korea's Chairman Kim

"The United States congratulates President Moon Jae-in and Chairman Kim Jong Un on the successful outcome of their summit meeting in Pyongyang.

We welcome President Moon and Chairman Kim’s reaffirmation of the Singapore joint statement of complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, including the permanent dismantlement of all facilities at Yongbyon in the presence of U.S. and IAEA inspectors.

We also welcome Chairman Kim’s decision to complete the previously announced dismantlement of the Tongchang-ri site in the presence of U.S. and international inspectors as a…