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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Remarks by President Trump at Cabinet Meeting
"So with that, I’ll end by saying we had a tremendous success in North Korea. [...] But I think I can speak for both of us in saying it’s been an incredible experience. The relationship is very good. They’ve stopped the sending of missiles, including ballistic missiles. They’re destroying their engine site. They’re blowing it up. They’ve already blown up one of their big test sites. In fact, it was actually four of their big test sites. And the big thing is, it will be…
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Remarks by Secretary Pompeo at Cabinet Meeting
"Since June 12th — now, a week and day — we’ve made significant progress [on North Korea]. Importantly, not only are allies the most directly affected — the South Korean, the Japanese, the Chinese — but a broader circle in that I’ve talked with — the Brits, the Australians, I’ve talked with other Europeans — each of them understands that we have fundamentally set a course that has the opportunity to change humanity. And they’re all onboard. They’re all working. They’re all supportive of our…
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Secretary Ross Testimony on Trade Tariffs Policy - China
Secretary Ross was questioned by numerous senators on how recent US tariff policies would affect US trade with China. View their remarks here: Senator Michael Bennet (CO); Senator John Thune (SD); Senator Sherrod Brown (OH); Senator Ron Wyden (OR); and Senator Robert J. Portman (OH)
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Remarks by President Trump at the National Federation of Independent Businesses 75th Anniversary Celebration
"As a result of all of these taxes and all of these tax cuts, American businesses now are on a level playing field with your competitors from other countries who have so many advantages, including subsidy by governments. You see what’s happening with China. We have no choice. This should have been done many years ago. We have no choice. China has been taking out $500 billion a year out of our country and rebuilding China. I always say, 'We have rebuilt China.' They’ve taken…
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Secretary Ross and Department of Commerce Issue Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determination on Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from China
"Today, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determination in the first antidumping duty (AD) trade case the Federal government has initiated since 1985. This historic self-initiated AD investigation concerns imports of common alloy aluminum sheet from China. [...] In its preliminary finding, Commerce determined that exporters from China have sold common alloy aluminum sheet in the United States at 167.16 percent less than fair value. As a result of today’s decision, Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect…
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Statement from the President Regarding Trade with China
"Therefore, today, I directed the United States Trade Representative to identify $200 billion worth of Chinese goods for additional tariffs at a rate of 10 percent. After the legal process is complete, these tariffs will go into effect if China refuses to change its practices, and also if it insists on going forward with the new tariffs that it has recently announced. If China increases its tariffs yet again, we will meet that action by pursuing additional tariffs on another $200 billion of goods. The…
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Secretary Pompeo Remarks at the Detroit Economic Club on China
"Finally, we’re taking a really hard line on foreign practices that harm America. Whether that’s threatening our technology leadership through intellectual property theft or forced technology transfer, we are hard at ensuring that we protect American property. Everyone knows today that China is the main perpetrator. It’s at an unprecedented level of larceny. I was with President Xi on Thursday night. I reminded him that that’s not fair competition. Chinese actors also continue to conduct cyber activity, so they’re not just taking it by forced…
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Secretary Pompeo Remarks at the Detroit Economic Club on North Korea
"As for whether they’ll need another summit [with North Korean Chairman Kim Jong Un], hard to know. There is a lot of work between here and there. My team is already doing it. I’ll likely travel back before too terribly long. There’s a great deal of work to do. We still have to flesh out all the things that underlay the commitments that were made that day in Singapore. I was there in the room with Chairman Kim. It was the third time I’d met…
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USTR Robert Lighthizer Statement on the President’s Additional China Trade Action
"U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer today released the following statement in support of the President’s direction that the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) identify $200 billion worth of Chinese goods for additional 10 percent tariffs to address China’s harmful trade policies and practices:
'I support the President’s action. The initial tariffs that the President asked us to put in place were proportionate and responsive to forced technology transfer and intellectual property theft by the Chinese. It is very unfortunate that instead of…
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Secretary Pompeo's Call With Republic of Korea's Foreign Minister Kang
"On June 17, Secretary Pompeo spoke with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha of the Republic of Korea to discuss next steps in the wake of the historic Singapore summit. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Kang reaffirmed that the United States and the Republic of Korea remain committed to the goal of complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization. The two leaders pledged to maintain close coordination and agreed that pressure must continue until the DPRK denuclearizes."