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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Vice President Pence's Remarks with Vice President Kalla of the Republic of Indonesia Before Bilateral Meeting
"Let me say it’s a great honor to be here with Vice President Kalla. I had the great privilege of traveling to Indonesia last year, representing the United States.
And we are so grateful for the leadership across the region, and the example across the world, that Indonesia represents in its commitment to religious pluralism and also its commitment to a strong alliance, now 70 years between the United States and Indonesia.
I look forward to returning to the region later this year for the…
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Joint Statement on Trilateral Meeting of the Trade Ministers of the United States, Japan, and the European Union
"The Ministers reiterated their concern with and confirmed their shared objective to address non market-oriented policies and practices of third countries that lead to severe overcapacity, create unfair competitive conditions for their workers and businesses, hinder the development and use of innovative technologies, and undermine the proper functioning of international trade, including where existing rules are not effective.
The Ministers recalled that market-oriented conditions are fundamental to a fair, mutually advantageous global trading system and that their citizens and businesses operate under market-oriented conditions. They…
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Secretary Mattis's Remarks at the Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia - North Korea and China
"I think when you look at external threats, the first one I have to look at is the nuclear threat out of Russia and to a lesser degree China and certainly North Korea, but North Korea's an urgent threat. [...] There's also other challenges out there as well, but in terms of urgency, I'd say North Korea. In terms of power right now, it is probably Russia and the nuclear threat. And in terms of long-term political will, it's China. But China does not have…
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Secretary Mattis's Meeting with Malaysian Minister of Defense Mohamad Bin Sabu
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis met with Malaysian Minister of Defense Mohamad Bin Sabu today at the Pentagon to reaffirm the defense relationship between the United States and Malaysia. The leaders discussed a broad range of defense issues, and the Secretary thanked Minister Mohamad for Malaysia’s participation in Exercise Tiger Strike, CARAT, and RIMPAC 2018. They also addressed ways to work more closely on maritime security as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Secretary Mattis thanked Minister Mohamad for the visit and noted…
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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…
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks at Press Briefing on President Trump's Agenda at the UN General Assembly
"Q Okay, then let me ask my second question. North Korea. You’re having a lot of talks with North Korea. You’re not seeing what you need to in terms of denuclearization. How long do you leave the door open before you decide this isn’t working?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Yeah, John, look, you have to remember this is a process that will move forward. To set a date certain would be foolish. But make no mistake about it — the conversations that we’re having are important. They’re…
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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…
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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…
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Secretary Pompeo's Interview With Chris Wallace of Fox News - China
"QUESTION: Let’s turn to China, where we are on the verge of a major trade war. The U.S. has imposed sanctions or tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese imports. The Chinese have retaliated. They have just announced they’re pulling out of a new round of trade talks this week. How hard is President Trump prepared to go in this faceoff with China, and for how long?
SECRETARY POMPEO: We know this much: The trade war by China against the United States has been going on…
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Interview With Chris Wallace of Fox News - North Korea
"QUESTION: This week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un talked about dismantling missile test sites, nuclear fuel facilities. President Trump called it very positive: “We had very good news from North Korea, South Korea. They met, and we had some great responses. We’re making tremendous progress with respect to North Korea.” But the North Koreans have not agreed to give up a single missile, a single nuclear weapon, nor are they giving us the inventory of their arsenal. Is that tremendous progress?
SECRETARY POMPEO: You have…