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 Mattis' Meeting with Singaporean Minister of Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis met with the Singapore Minister of Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen on June 1 on the sidelines of the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ 17th Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, a major annual defense and security forum in the Indo-Pacific region. During their meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the U.S.-Singapore defense relationship and discussed efforts to strengthen cooperation, to include counterterrorism and maritime security. Secretary Mattis thanked Dr. Ng for Singapore’s…
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Secretary Mattis' Remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue - Taiwan
"The Department of Defense remains steadfastly committed to working with Taiwan to provide the defense articles and services necessary to maintain sufficient self-defense consistent with our obligation set out in our Taiwan Relations Act. We oppose all unilateral efforts to alter the status quo, and will continue to insist any resolution of differences accord with the will of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait."
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Secretary Mattis Remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue - China
"Yet China's policy in the South China Sea stands in stark contrast to the openness of our strategy. It promotes -- what our strategy promotes, it calls into question China's broader goals. China's militarization of artificial features in the South China Sea includes the deployment of anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles, electronic jammers, and more recently, the landing of bomber aircraft at Woody Island. Despite China's claims to the contrary, the placement of these weapons systems is tied directly to military use for the purposes of…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Lorenzana
"The two leaders [Secretary Mattis and Secretary Lorenzana] held in depth discussions on the U.S.-Philippines Alliance and the two nations’ growing bilateral defense relationship. Secretary Mattis reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the 67-year old alliance and emphasized the need to build upon the interoperability the two countries militaries have achieved through extensive and regularly planned annual training events. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is undergoing modernization. Secretary Mattis pledged U.S. support for this initiative, and reiterated the importance of ensuring the two militaries enhance…
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Secretary Mattis' Remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue - Australia and New Zealand
"In Oceana, our alliances and partnerships are based not only on common security interests, but also on deeply shared values and a long history of shared sacrifice. Australia remains one of our strongest allies, and this year we celebrate our first 100 years of (mate-ship). We are also revitalizing our defense partnership with New Zealand, and we've modernized these key alliances and partnerships to ensure that they are as relevant to the security challenges of this century as they were to the last."
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Secretary Mattis' Remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue - South Korea
"I would tell you that any discussion about the number of U.S. troops in the Republic of Korea is subject to -- one, the Republic of Korea's invitation to have them there and the discussions between the United States and the Republic of Korea -- separate and distinct from the negotiations that are going on with DPRK. They have -- that issue will not come up in the discussions with DPRK and as you all recognize; those troops are there as a recognition of a…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Vietnamese Minister of National Defense Lich
"Secretary Mattis and Minister Lich discussed the regional security environment and highlighted historic progress in the defense relationship since their last meeting, including the first post-war visit by a U.S. aircraft carrier to Vietnam in March 2018. They also reviewed progress on efforts to enhance the defense partnership, with a focus on increasing cooperation on maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and peacekeeping operations, while continuing to address legacy of war issues. Secretary Mattis affirmed his support for a strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Indonesian Minister of Defense Ryamizard
"On May 29, Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis met with Indonesian Minister of Defense Ryamizard Ryacudu on the sidelines of the U.S. Pacific Command change of command at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii. The two leaders shared views on regional security and emphasized the importance of continued ASEAN centrality and close cooperation to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific safeguarding the rules-based international order. The Secretary shared Minister Ryamizard's concerns regarding violent extremism, particularly the ISIS-inspired suicide attacks against three churches earlier this…
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Remarks by President Trump after Meeting with North Korean Vice Chairman Kim Yong Chol
"Well, what’s going to happen is South Korea will do that [offer North Korea economic aid]. No, I don’t think the United States is going to have to spend. I think South Korea will do it. I think China — I think, frankly, China will help out. I think that Japan will help out. No, I don’t see the United States spending a lot of money. You know, we have three hostages. How much money did I spend for the hostages? And, look, we’re very…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Onodera
"Secretary Mattis and [Japanese] Defense Minister Onodera re-affirmed that the United States and Japan remain committed to the complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement of North Korea’s nuclear, ballistic missile, and chemical and biological programs. Both countries will maintain economic and diplomatic pressure in advance of a potential U.S.-North Korea summit. Secretary Mattis commended Japan’s lead role disrupting DPRK illegal ship-to-ship transfers in the region and allowing multinational forces to temporarily operate from Japan to support the enforcement of relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions. Both…
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Secretary Mattis Meetings with ASEAN Counterparts at Shangri-La Dialogue
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis met with ministers and heads of delegation from across Southeast Asia on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 1 to discuss the United States’ vision and strategy for the Indo Pacific region and to listen to their perspectives on security challenges and opportunities for increased cooperation. Secretary Mattis had a robust exchange of views with the ministers and representatives on regional security issues, focusing on counterterrorism and maritime security cooperation and prospects for a peaceful…