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 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…
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Secretary Mattis's Remarks en route to Vietnam - China
"We are cooperating where possible with China. You see that on DPRK, from the U.N. to -- to an area out there in the Pacific on the sanctions.And obviously, we're not out to contain China. We'd have taken an altogether different stance had that been considered. It has not been considered. But it's out mutual responsibility to responsibly manage differences.We remain highly concerned with continued militarization of features in the South China Sea. Plus, we look at the -- what we consider to be almost…
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President Trump's Interview with 60 Minutes's Lesley Stahl - North Korea
"Lesley Stahl: What about North Korea? Talking about accom--
President Donald Trump: Well, I consider it a, so far, great achievement. Look, we--
Lesley Stahl: You say "so far"?
President Donald Trump: It's always so far, til everything's done. I-- I-- you know, deals are deals, okay? Whether it's a real estate deal or a retail deal, it doesn't matter. But I will say this. The day before I came in, we were goin' to war with North Korea. I sat with President Obama--
Lesley…
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President Trump's Interview with 60 Minutes's Lesley Stahl - China
"Lesley Stahl: China.
President Donald Trump: I get along with him [North Korean Chairman Kim Jong Un]. It's very important. China, let's go.
Lesley Stahl: I'm skipping across the world here. You've slapped a lot of tariffs--
President Donald Trump: $250 billion.
Lesley Stahl: Gonna do more?
President Donald Trump: Might. Might.
Lesley Stahl: Round three?
President Donald Trump: They wanna negotiate, Lesley. They wanna negotiate.
Lesley Stahl: Are you ready?
President Donald Trump: Look.
Lesley Stahl: Are you ready to--
President Donald Trump: I…
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President Trump Remarks Before Marine One Departure - Trade with China
"Q (Inaudible) China is ready to negotiate again? China.
THE PRESIDENT: China wants to make a deal. China would love to make a deal. I don’t think they’re ready yet.
Q Why aren’t they ready yet? How will you know when they’re ready?
THE PRESIDENT: I just don’t think they’re ready yet. They’ve made too much money for too long. What they’ve done to our country is take out anywhere from $300 billion to $500 billion a year. Rebuilt China. I have great respect for…
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President Trump's Remarks During the Save Our Seas Act Signing Ceremony - China, Japan and the Philippines
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Secretary Pompeo's Call With Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi
"Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke with Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi on October 10 to convey his condolences and continued support to those in Indonesia affected by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Central Sulawesi on September 28. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Marsudi discussed Indonesia’s efforts to respond to the natural disaster and ongoing U.S. assistance to the relief effort. The United States has provided a total of $3.7 million in humanitarian assistance through USAID, and deployed three C-130 Hercules transport aircraft…
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks on Fiji National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Fiji as you celebrate your 48th year of independence on October 10.
The United States and Fiji share a deep and longstanding friendship based on common values. I would like to commend Fiji on the 40th anniversary of its participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions. We appreciate your government’s continued efforts to enforce UN sanctions pertaining to North Korea. Our partnership in maritime security contributes to our shared goal…