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 Michelle Caruso-Cabrera of CNBC - Trade
"We’re convinced that American engagement in the Indo-Pacific benefits all the nations in that region. We want it to be free, we want it to be open. We’re not looking for dominance. We’re looking for partnerships. Others choose to behave differently. We want these to be commercially available projects led by the American private sector in a way that benefits the entire region and the world. [...] Well, the right mechanism is to be determined, but President Trump wants free trade. Make no mistake about…
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U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross Announces Programs to Increase U.S. Commercial Engagement in the Indo-Pacific Region
"Following Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Business Forum today, the Department of Commerce is announcing its plan to dedicate three of its upcoming flagship events to Indo-Pacific themes:
- Discover Global Markets (DGM): Indo-Pacific – will take place in Salt Lake City, Utah, December 10-12, 2018 and will highlight opportunities for U.S. exporters in Asia. It will kick-off recruitment for the Trade Winds: India.
- Trade Winds: India – will take place in New Delhi in the spring of 2019. It will…
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Media Availability by Secretary Mattis - North Korea
"Q: Do you see that as a confidence-building measure to some extent? Does it give you any more additional confidence that the North Koreans are going to engage in their promise on denuclearization? SEC. MATTIS: Yes, Barbara, clearly what we have here is something that has been frozen for -- for years now, and so that's warmed up. The remains were turned over as agreed during the -- or it’s initiated and agreed during the summit that President Trump had with Chairman Kim. It was…
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Vice President Pence's Remarks on Repatriation of US Service Members's Remains from North Korea
"Thanks to the leadership of President Donald Trump, North Korea committed to return the remains of our American service members who fell in the Korean War. This agreement was deeply meaningful to so many families across America and demonstrated once again the President’s unwavering commitment to the courageous men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States. President Trump asked that I travel to Hawaii on August 1 to participate in the Honorable Carry Ceremony and receive the remains as they return…
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Vanuatu National Day
"On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of Vanuatu in celebration of your National Day on July 30th. The United States and Vanuatu enjoy a close friendship based on our shared values and partnership. We commend your strong commitment to promoting financial transparency. We also celebrate the growing number of cross-cultural exchanges between our countries, and would like to thank you for welcoming over 70 Peace Corps volunteers to your shores this past year. We look…
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USTR Lighthizer Remarks to Senator Boozman During Appropriations Committee Hearing - China, Japan, and the Philippines
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Presidential Proclamation on the Anniversary of National Korean War Armistice Day, 2018
"More than six decades after the cease-fire on the Korean Peninsula, our relationship with South Korea continues to flourish. We have forged a powerful friendship built on respect, a mutual desire for economic prosperity, and an unwavering commitment to democratic values and peace through strength. In contrast, our relationship with North Korea has been hostile, due to continued threats to our allies, their development of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs, and ongoing human rights violations. Last month’s historic summit with Chairman Kim…
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USTR Lighthizer's Opening Statement to the Senate Committee on Appropriations - South Korea and China
"We are finalizing revisions to the U.S. – Korea Free Trade Agreement. We arrived at an agreement with the Koreans to strengthen domestic truck manufacturing here in the United States, allow more U.S. vehicles to enter the Korean market without burdensome regulations, and fix a whole host of implementation issues related to agricultural, pharmaceutical products, and many other products. [...] At the direction of the President, USTR has been leading the Section 301 efforts to combat unfair Chinese intellectual property practices. In March of this…