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 Pompeo's Interview With Kania Sutisnawinata of Metro TV
"It’s wonderful and important for the United States, an incredibly strategic relationship – two of the world’s largest democracies, now 70 years of diplomatic relations. I think we do wonderful things with our support of Indonesia, and right back Indonesia does great things that are important for the American people too. It’s a strong relationship. The leadership here works closely with our team, and we are doing great things together. [...] Indonesia has long been a great trading partner. President Trump wants to trade with…
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Secretary Pompeo's Debriefing on Trip to ASEAN
"First, from the trip, I think we accomplished the objectives we set out: a chance to meet a number of foreign ministers I’ve not met before; we got a chance to share with them three or four things, primarily the United States commitment to the region, something I spoke about a week ago now on Monday; to lay out for them a little more detail how it is the case we intend to ensure that the Indo-Pacific region is free and open. And I think…
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Australia-Japan-United States Trilateral Strategic Dialogue Joint Ministerial Statement
"The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, Julie Bishop, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Taro Kono, and the Secretary of State for the United States, Michael R. Pompeo, met in Singapore on August 4, 2018 for the eighth ministerial meeting of the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue (TSD). The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the trilateral strategic partnership and of deepening coordination between Australia, Japan and the United States. They underscored their commitment to working together to maintain and promote a free, open, prosperous and…
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Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono
"On August 4, Secretary Pompeo met with Japanese Foreign Minister Kono in Singapore to discuss next steps on DPRK engagement. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Kono reaffirmed our commitment to the final, fully verified denuclearization of the DPRK. The Secretary and Minister agreed that pressure must continue until the DPRK denuclearizes. They also affirmed the strength of the U.S.-Japan Alliance and vowed to continue working together closely to address common challenges, seize shared opportunities, and advance the interests of both the United States and Japan…
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Joint Statement To Strengthen Water Data Management and Information Sharing in The Lower Mekong
"Do hereby endeavor to:
Strengthen the individual capacity of the Lower Mekong Countries to collect, analyze and manage water (quality and quantity; surface and ground), land, and weather data and information products for the purposes of reducing water-related risks, improving regional responses to environmental emergencies, and promoting sustainable economic development across the water, food, energy, and environment nexus."
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U.S. Security Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Region
"At the ASEAN Regional Forum on August 4, Secretary Pompeo announced the intent to provide nearly $300 million in security assistance to improve security relationships across the Indo-Pacific region. This assistances includes $290.5 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to strengthen maritime security, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR), and peacekeeping capabilities, and $8.5 million in International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INCLE) funds to counter transnational crime. This funding commitment comes shortly after Secretary Pompeo and other senior Administration officials announced new economic and development initiatives at…
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Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Indonesian Foreign Minister Marsudi
"Secretary Mike Pompeo met with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in Jakarta on August 4, reaffirming close bilateral relations and a strong U.S.-Indonesia Strategic Partnership as we look ahead to celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties in 2019. The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for Indonesia’s leadership role in ASEAN, and congratulated Indonesia on its upcoming term in the UN Security Council. The Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed bilateral cooperation and multilateral engagement on regional security challenges, including the DPRK and counterterrorism, as well…
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Joint Statement on the Eleventh Ministerial Meeting of the Lower Mekong Initiative
"The Secretary and the Foreign Ministers approved a joint plan to update and streamline the LMI [Lower Mekong Initiative] to be more dynamic in responding to the sub-region’s needs by combining previous work streams into two inclusive pillars: 1) the Water, Energy, Food, and Environment Nexus; and 2) Human Development and Connectivity (which will include but is not limited to activities related to connectivity, health, and education). Member countries will integrate the themes of gender equality and women’s empowerment, connectivity, and public-private partnership across all…
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Press Availability at the 51st ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings
"Throughout my ASEAN-centered engagements these past days I’ve conveyed President Trump’s commitment to this vital part of the world that continues to grow in importance. Security has been a major focus of our conversations. As part of our commitment to advancing regional security in the Indo-Pacific, the United States is excited to announce nearly $300 million in new funding to reinforce security cooperation throughout the entire region. This new security assistance will advance our shared priorities, especially to strengthen maritime security, develop humanitarian assistance and…