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 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…
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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…
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Secretary Pompeo's Interview with Laura Ingraham of Fox News - Human Rights in China
"QUESTION: The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom lists China and Saudi Arabia right in – well, one, and I think Saudi Arabia is number three – of the worst violators of human rights. I was thinking about this yesterday, because you think of the old Soviet Union and President Reagan, who both of us admire so much; we didn’t do that, really heavily engage trade with the Soviet Union – not just because of nukes, but because of what they were doing on human…
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Secretary Pompeo's Interview With Laura Ingraham of Fox News - South China Sea
"QUESTION: We’ll leave China in just a moment, but the South China Sea, I think it’s an underreported story. I know you just met with the leadership from the Philippines here. They were talking to China about some type of agreement. Real concerns about that, that trading path – $3.3 trillion worth of goods go through the South China Sea, and China has very strong territorial ambitions to dominate it.
SECRETARY POMPEO: They do. This was a place that this administration found itself when it…
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Secretary Pompeo's Interview With Laura Ingraham of Fox News - North Korea
"QUESTION: There was concern from the foreign policy elites, Mr. Secretary, early on and expressed throughout this administration that, oh, the Trump team kind of bumbles through these events; they go out and promise a lot but then the deliverables aren’t there. Of course, they cite North Korea – North Korea is not denuclearizing at a pace that maybe we thought they would, and so forth. But what’s the real status with our relationship with Europe and our relationship with the North Korean leadership given…
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Vice President Pence's Meeting with Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh of Mongolia
"Vice President Mike Pence met today with Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh of Mongolia to reiterate the strong bilateral relationship between Mongolia and the United States. The two leaders discussed their newly expanded comprehensive partnership and the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation’s $350 million compact with Mongolia. The Vice President recognized the strong support that Mongolia has pledged to continue to provide to NATO’s Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan and Mongolia’s continued enforcement of UN sanctions on North Korea. The two leaders also discussed other issues of…
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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…
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Secretary Mattis's Meeting with Delfin Lorenzana, Secretary of National Defense of the Philippines
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis met with Philippine Secretary of National Defense, Delfin Lorenzana today at the Pentagon to reaffirm the longstanding defense relationship between the United States and the Philippines.The leaders discussed a broad range of defense issues, to include their commitment to fighting terrorism and reaffirmed U.S. military advisory support to assist the Philippines in combatting ISIS and other violent extremist networks. Secretary Mattis thanked Secretary Lorenzana for his country’s contribution to maritime security through its trilateral air and maritime patrols with…