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 Pompeo's Interview With Chris Wallace of Fox News Sunday
"[T]his administration is always concerned about human rights. It’s the case not only are there political prisoners that remain in North Korea, there are Americans held around the world by other rogue regimes too. I can assure you this administration – I saw it in my role as director of the CIA and I’ve seen it now in my first two and a half weeks as Secretary of State – is intently focused on achieving the return of each of those as well. We had…
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Secretary Mattis Meets with South Korean Foreign Minister Kang
"Defense Secretary James N. Mattis met with South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha to discuss the current situation on the Korean Peninsula, chief Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White said in a statement released yesterday. Kang reviewed the Panmunjom Declaration and the efforts to improve relations between North and South Korea while achieving the common goal of denuclearization, White said in the statement. Mattis and Kang shared hope that the upcoming U.S.-North Korea talks scheduled for June 12 would provide a historic opportunity to reach a…
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Secretary Pompeo Discusses Recent Trip to North Korea
"So I have spent more time with Chairman Kim [of North Korea] other than perhaps President Moon [of South Korea] working on this incredibly important challenge that lays before the world. President Trump and the world have set the conditions for a successful outcome from June 12th and the activities that are necessary to follow there from. You asked about my conversations with Chairman Kim. This question is sort of undignified, 'Is he rational?' Yes, we had good conversations, substantive conversations, conversations that involve deep…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Korean Foreign Minister Kang
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis met with Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Minister Kang Kyungwha to discuss the current situation on the Korean Peninsula. Minister Kang reviewed the Panmunjeom Declaration, and the efforts to improve North-South relations while achieving the common goal of denuclearization. Secretary Mattis and Minister Kang shared their hope that the upcoming U.S.-North Korea talks scheduled for June 12 would provide a historic opportunity to reach a diplomatic resolution that achieves complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea. Secretary Mattis…
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President Trump's Call with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today [May 11, 2018] with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore. President Trump thanked Prime Minister Lee for his willingness to host President Trump’s June 12 meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The two leaders also discussed regional security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. President Trump and Prime Minister Lee reaffirmed the relationship between the United States and Singapore, which has been one of the United States’ closest partnerships in Asia for more than 50 years. President…
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Remarks by President Trump at Arrival of Americans Detained in North Korea
"We want to thank Kim Jong-un, who really was excellent to these three incredible people [Americans detained in North Korea]. They are really three incredible people. And the fact that we were able to get them out so soon was really a tribute to a lot of things, including a certain process that’s taking place right now. And that process is very important. [...] We very much appreciate that he [North Korean Chairman Kim Jong Un] allowed them [Americans detained in North Korea] to go…