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 Prime Minister Lee
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Singapore on June 1 on the sidelines of the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ 17th Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue. During their meeting, the Secretary and Prime Minister reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Singapore. Secretary Mattis underscored that Singapore is a trusted strategic partner. The two leaders exchanged views on the regional security environment and discussed a range…
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Secretary Mattis' Remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue - ASEAN
"Central among these, of course, is ASEAN and the institutions it created, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus, and the East Asia Summit, as well as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, and trilateral and multilateral mechanisms of like-minded partners. A central element of our strategy is strengthening of our alliances and partnerships in terms of mutual benefit and trusted relationships. We are committed to working by, with, and through allies and partners to address common challenges, to enhance shared capabilities…
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Secretary Mattis' Remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue – North Korea
"In Northeast Asia, the dynamic security environment continues to underscore the importance of our robust alliance and partner relationships. On the Korean Peninsula, we hold the line with our ally, supporting our diplomats who lead this effort. Our objective remains the complete, verifiable, and irreversible nuclear -- denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and the international community is in alignment here, as evidenced by multiple unanimous United Nations Security Council resolutions. Beyond North Korea, we are focused on modernizing our alliance with both the Republic of…
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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' 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…