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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USTR Lighthizer Meeting with Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry
"Ambassador Robert E. Lighthizer, United States Trade Representative, Mr. Hiroshige Seko, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, and Mrs. Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Trade, met in Paris on 31st May 2018. The Ministers reiterated their concern with the non-market-oriented policies of third countries and discussed actions being taken and possible measures that could be undertaken in the near future. The Ministers confirmed their shared objective to address non market-oriented policies and practices that lead to severe overcapacity, create unfair competitive conditions for…
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Secretary Pompeo Remarks for Samoa National Day
"Please accept my best wishes as you and the people of Samoa celebrate Independence Day. Since 1971, the United States and the Independent State of Samoa have been close and enduring partners in the Pacific. Our two countries are joined by our shared belief in democracy and freedom. Together, we have partnered to further these foundational principles across the region. This work continues as we work together in the Indo-Pacific to promote democracy, expand economic opportunity and safeguard natural resources. May today remind you of…
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks at a Press Availability
"The Chinese are moving all around the world today. Let’s be clear. The risk of that is real everywhere, not just in this particular space. We’re keenly aware of it, and I’m – I am confident that the things we’re talking about with respect to North Korea will not enhance the risk of that to any significant degree. We wouldn’t do that to the South Koreans or the Japanese, two of our most important allies in the region."
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Secretary Mattis Remarks at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Change of Command Ceremony
“Relationships with our Pacific and Indian Ocean allies and partners have proven critical to maintaining regional stability. We stand by our partners and support their sovereign decisions, because all nations large and small are essential to the region if we're to sustain stability in ocean areas critical to global peace. Further, in recognition of the increasing connectivity, the Indian and Pacific Oceans, today we rename the U.S. Pacific Command to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Over many decades, this command has repeatedly adapted to changing circumstance, and…
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Press briefing by Secretary Mattis enroute to PACOM
"You know, I'm -- on the FONOPs, they're freedom of navigation operations. And you'll notice there's only one country [China] that seems to take active steps to rebuff them or state their resentment of them. But it's international waters, and a lot of nations want to see freedom of navigation. So we'll continue that. There had been a promise in 2015 by the -- President Xi, in the Rose Garden -- the White House meeting where he stated they would not be militarizing the Spratly…
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Statement on Steps to Protect Domestic Technology and Intellectual Property from China's Discriminatory and Burdensome Trade Practices
"On March 22, 2018, the President signed a memorandum announcing that the United States would take multiple steps to protect domestic technology and intellectual property from certain discriminatory and burdensome trade practices by China. These actions were announced following a report of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative regarding China’s practices with respect to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation. [...] In addition, the United States will continue efforts to protect domestic technology and intellectual property, stop noneconomic transfers of industrially significant technology and…
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks During State Department Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Request - Chinese Trade Practices
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks During State Department Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Request - Cancellation [at the time] of Singapore Summit
Numerous Senators questioned Secretary Pompeo about the, at the time, cancellation, of the summit between President Trump and North Korean Chairman Kim Kong-Un. View their remarks here: Senator Edward Markey (MA); Senators Markey, Bob Corker (TN) and Christopher Murphy (CT); Senator Rob Portman (OH); Senator John Barrasso (WY); Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH); Senator Ben Cardin (MD); and Senator Bob Menendez (NJ).
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Secretary Ross Interview with CNBC on Chinese Company ZTE
"The United States is looking at alternatives to the crippling sanctions threatening the survival of Chinese telecom giant ZTE, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross told CNBC on Thursday. Ross said on 'Squawk Box' the U.S. is considering a plan to require compliance officers to be installed at ZTE, best known by consumers for selling smartphones. 'If we do decide to go forward with an alternative, what it literally would involve would be implanting people of our choosing into the company to constitute a compliance unit ..…