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 Press Statement on North Korea
"The United States and our allies have the demonstrated capabilities and unquestionable commitment to defend ourselves from an attack. Kim Jong Un should take heed of the United Nations Security Council’s unified voice, and statements from governments the world over, who agree the DPRK poses a threat to global security and stability. The DPRK must choose to stop isolating itself and stand down its pursuit of nuclear weapons. The DPRK should cease any consideration of actions that would lead to the end of its regime…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Vietnamese Minister of National Defense Lich
"The Secretary and the Minister of Defense agreed to deepen defense cooperation, including by expanding maritime cooperation. The Ministers also directed their staffs to work toward arranging a first carrier visit to Vietnam once technical conditions permit. The Secretary highlighted the robust level of peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and Coast Guard cooperation, including the recent transfer of a former United States Coast Guard cutter to improve Vietnam’s maritime law enforcement capabilities. The two leaders agreed that a strong U.S.-Vietnam defense relationship promotes regional and global security…
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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Countervailing Duty Determination on Aluminum Foil From the People's Republic of China
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determination in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigation of aluminum foil from the People’s Republic of China (China), preliminary finding that Chinese exporters of aluminum foil received countervailing subsidies 16.56 to 80.97 percent."
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President Trump's Remarks on North Korea During Press Briefing
"North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States. They [North Korea] will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen. He [North Korean leader Kim Jong Un] has been very threatening ... and as I said they will be met with fire, fury and frankly power, the likes of which this world has never seen before."
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President Trump's Call with Korean President Moon
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Moon Jae-in of South Korea to discuss North Korea’s July 28 launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile. The two leaders affirmed that North Korea poses a grave and growing direct threat to the United States, South Korea, and Japan, as well as to most countries around the world. President Trump and President Moon welcomed the new United Nations Security Council resolution that unanimously passed 15-0. The leaders committed to fully implement all relevant resolutions and to urge…
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USTR Lighthizer, Japan Foreign Minister Kono Agree to Accelerate Bilateral Trade Engagement
"U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer today met with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono for wide-ranging discussions on strengthening and advancing bilateral trade and economic relations. At the meeting, they discussed work plans to promote the trade agenda under the U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue, co-chaired by Vice President Mike Pence and Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, and agreed on accelerating discussions to address specific bilateral trade issues as well as to explore approaches to strengthen free and fair trade and promote high trade and investment standards. [...]…
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USTR Lighthizer Statement on the Presidential Memo on China
"The United States has for many years been facing a very serious problem. China's industrial policies and other practices reportedly have forced the transfer of vital U.S. technology to Chinese companies. We will engage in a thorough investigation and, if needed, take action to preserve the future of U.S. industry. Potentially millions of jobs are at stake for the current and future generations. This will be one of USTR's highest priorities, and we will report back to the President as soon as possible."
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USTR Lighthizer Announces Initiation of Section 301 Investigation of China
"Today, U.S Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer formally initiated an investigation of China under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The investigation will seek to determine whether acts, policies, and practices of the Government of China related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce. 'On Monday, President Trump instructed me to look into Chinese laws, policies, and practices which may be harming American intellectual property rights, innovation, or technology development. After consulting with stakeholders…
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USTR Lighthizer Statement on the Presidential Memo on China
"The United States has for many years been facing a very serious problem. China's industrial policies and other practices reportedly have forced the transfer of vital U.S. technology to Chinese companies. We will engage in a thorough investigation and, if needed, take action to preserve the future of U.S. industry. Potentially millions of jobs are at stake for the current and future generations. This will be one of USTR's highest priorities, and we will report back to the President as soon as possible."
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President Trump's Call with Japanese Prime Minister Abe
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to address North Korea’s launch of another intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The two leaders agreed that North Korea poses a grave and growing direct threat to the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and other countries near and far. President Trump and Prime Minister Abe committed to increasing economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea, and to convincing other countries to follow suit. President Trump reaffirmed our ironclad commitment to defend…
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President Trump's Remarks on North Korea's Missile Test
"North Korea’s test launch today of another intercontinental ballistic missile—the second such test in less than a month—is only the latest reckless and dangerous action by the North Korean regime. The United States condemns this test and rejects the regime’s claim that these tests—and these weapons—ensure North Korea’s security. In reality, they have the opposite effect. By threatening the world, these weapons and tests further isolate North Korea, weaken its economy, and deprive its people. The United States will take all necessary steps to ensure…
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Statement From Secretary Ross And Secretary Mnuchin Following The U.S.-China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue
“We thank Vice Premier Wang and the Chinese delegation for making the journey to Washington for this first session of the U.S.-China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue. We also extend our gratitude to Secretary Perdue, Ambassador Lighthizer, Ambassador Branstad, Chair Yellen and Director Cohn for their participation in these meetings. China acknowledged our shared objective to reduce the trade deficit which both sides will work cooperatively to achieve. Since the Presidential Summit, the first 100 days made progress on important issues including credit ratings, bond clearing, electronic…