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 Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Kang
"Secretary Pompeo met with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-Wha today on the margins of the ASEAN-centered ministerial meetings. They discussed the enduring strength of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, which remains the linchpin of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and across the Indo-Pacific region. The Secretary and Foreign Minister also reaffirmed close cooperation on achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization of the DPRK, as agreed to by Chairman Kim in Singapore."
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Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith
"Secretary Pompeo met today with Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith on the margins of the ASEAN-centered ministerials in Singapore. The Secretary welcomed Laos as the United States’ incoming ASEAN coordinator, and underscored the U.S. commitment to the Lower Mekong Initiative, through which the United States partners with Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam to advance transboundary cooperation. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister affirmed our strong bilateral ties, and highlighted the positive impact of cooperation on development assistance, the clearance of unexploded ordnance, 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…