The Trump Administration & US - Indo-Pacific Relations

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.

Methodology

All Posts

Secretary Pompeo's Remarks with Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councilor Wang

"I also raised our concerns about the militarization of the South China Sea. We had a good discussion. We have other important priorities in our relationship with China as well, such as stopping the flow of opioids coming from China into the United States, protecting American intellectual property, and upholding human rights and religious freedom."

Secretary Pompeo's Remarks During State Department Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Request - Chinese Company ZTE

Secretary Pompeo's Remarks During State Department Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Request - Chinese Company ZTE

Secretary Pompeo's Remarks on Strengthening American Diplomacy: Reviewing the State Department's Budget, Operations, and Policy Priorities

"The State Department will continue to lead the international efforts to denuclearize North Korea, and present – and prevent other actors from unlawfully acquiring weapons of mass destruction as their means of delivery, while strengthening the capacity of partner nations to do so as well. Countering proliferation is at the top of President Trump’s national security agenda."

President Trump Approves Section 232 Tariff Modifications

"The tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the following countries are suspended until May 1, 2018, pending discussions of satisfactory long-term alternative means to address the threatened impairment to U.S. national security:

  • Argentina;
  • Australia;
  • Brazil;
  • Canada;
  • Mexico;
  • the member countries of the European Union; and
  • South Korea.

By May 1, 2018, the President will decide whether to continue to exempt these countries from the tariffs, based on the status of the discussions. "

President Trump Statement on China and North Korea

Remarks by Secretary Ross at the President's E Awards Ceremony

"Successes include a dealer agreement between an American boat builder and a Chinese-based boat dealer looking to add a U.S. brand to their portfolio. [...] Several of our winners today count China as their number one international export market. In addition to the one mentioned earlier, there are five more:

    • Hydro-Thermal Corporation;
    • Flexo Concepts;
    • Santa Monica College;
    • Colorado State University; and
    • iTep International, a business that assesses English language skills in 51 countries.

From day one, this Administration has been committed to leveling the playing field for businesses and organizations…