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
All Posts
Text
President Trump's Remarks on China
"And just a final subject is China. We’ve done very well in our negotiation with China, but we’re not prepared to make the deal that they’d like to make. We’ll continue to talk to China. I have great respect for President Xi. He’s really a very special guy. But right now, we just can’t make that deal. In the meantime, we’re taking in billions of dollars of taxes coming in from China, and — with the potential of billions and billions of dollars more taxes…
Text
Media Availability by Secretary Mattis En Route to India
"So we are coming -- Secretary Pompeo and I -- are coming to New Delhi for the continued consultations. And I believe we will be reaffirming much of our shared vision for the region, alongside our Indian counterparts, Minister Swaraj and Minister Sitharaman, during this first two-plus-two meeting between the U.S. and India at the ministerial level. [...] Secretary Pompeo and I will also meet with Prime Minister Modi and National Security Advisor Devol to reinforce our appreciation for India's role in that regional and…
Text
Secretary Pompeo's Call With Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne
"Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne by phone on August 30 and congratulated her on her recent appointment. The two reaffirmed the close alignment of the United States and Australia and pledged to continue our long history of cooperation on the basis of our shared interests and values."
Text
Secretary Pompeo's Remarks on Vietnam National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend to the people of Vietnam my best wishes for your National Day on September 2nd.
This year, I was able to see firsthand the remarkable growth in our bilateral relationship, and the rapid pace of positive change in Vietnam. You have much to be proud of as a strong, dynamic, and culturally vibrant nation, deeply engaged with friends and partners across the region.
Together, Vietnam and the United States have accomplished much…
Text
Remarks by Vice President Pence at American Legion’s 100th National Convention
"And earlier this summer, as our President secured a historic commitment for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, he also had our fallen on his heart. President Trump secured a promise from Chairman Kim to return the remains of all our missing fallen servicemembers lost in the Korean War.
And I will tell you, this son of that combat veteran from the Korean War was honored beyond words to be there when the first 55 flag-draped cases bearing the remains of our missing fallen…
Text
Previewing Secretary Pompeo and Secretary Mattis' Upcoming U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue Trip
"The 2+2 is a major opportunity to enhance our engagement with India on critical diplomatic and security priorities. I [State Department official giving the briefing]know that Secretary Pompeo and Secretary Mattis are honored to be making – excuse me, Secretary Pompeo is honored to be making his first trip to India as Secretary of State for such an important event. I [State Department official giving the briefing] should also add that we are grateful to External Affairs Minister Swaraj, Defense Minister Sitharaman, and the Indian…
Text
Secretary Pompeo's Remarks on the Republic of Malaysia's National Day
"On behalf of the government of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Malaysia as you celebrate your National Day on August 31.
Malaysia embodies many of the values that have enabled the Indo-Pacific to become one of the greatest engines of the growing global economy. Those democratic values underpin the strong relationship we have built together over more than six decades. I was honored to visit Kuala Lumpur recently to meet with Prime Minister Mahathir and to discuss how we can…
Text
Presidential Message to the Senate of the United States - Pacific Islands
"With a view to receiving the advice and consent of the Senate to ratification, I transmit herewith the Amendments to the Treaty on Fisheries between the Governments of Certain Pacific Island States and the Government of the United States of America, done at Port Moresby April 2, 1987, as amended (the “Treaty”), done at Nadi, Fiji, December 3, 2016. I also transmit, for the information of the Senate, the amendments to the Annexes to the Treaty and report of the Department of State with respect…
Text
Remarks by Secretary Mattis at an Enhanced Honor Cordon Welcoming Indonesian Minister of Defense Ryacudu
"We also want to encourage deeper cooperation between our industrial bases, because we see a strong Indonesian industrial base as contributing to Indonesian sovereignty and independence and prosperity, and all of those things help add stability in the Pacific when we need it.We are conducting over 200 bilateral defense engagements together every year, if you count all of them, and we just concluded CARAT, the most significant bilateral maritime exercise between us today. [...] In America, we appreciate Indonesia's strong leadership and your commitment to…