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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Advancing Reciprocity in U.S.- China Diplomatic Relations
"For years, the PRC has imposed significant barriers on American diplomats working in the PRC that are far beyond diplomatic norms. PRC authorities implement a system of opaque approval processes designed to prevent American diplomats from conducting regular business and connecting with the Chinese people. U.S. diplomats’ attempts to host cultural events, secure official meetings, and visit university campuses are regularly obstructed.
In the United States, by contrast, PRC diplomats have enjoyed open access to American society, while ignoring sustained U.S. entreaties to improve the…
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Secretary Pompeo With Trey Gowdy of The Sean Hannity Show - China
"QUESTION: Likewise. Tell us about the actions you’ve taken against China with respect to their diplomats and why you took it.
SECRETARY POMPEO: Trey, today we took the simple action of telling Chinese diplomats working here in the United States the free ride is over, their ability to conduct espionage here in the United States has – that time has passed, and so we’ve put restrictions on them. They need to ask permission now to conduct meetings with local officials and to gather at certain…
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Secretary Michael R. Pompeo at a Press Availability
"On the multilateral front further, I look forward to seeing my ASEAN and Indo-Pacific counterparts next week at a host of virtual meetings.
We’ll have discussions that will be wide-ranging, including on COVID, North Korea, South China Sea, Hong Kong, and Burma’s Rakhine State.
I’ll also raise how the Trump administration is restoring reciprocity to the U.S.-China relationship. And today we continue that necessary work.
For years, the Chinese Communist Party has imposed significant barriers on American diplomats working inside the PRC.
Specifically, the Chinese…
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On the Passing of Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee
"The United States is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. In a distinguished career spanning more than half a century, President Mukherjee worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of India as a parliamentarian, cabinet minister, and as President of the world’s largest democracy. His visionary leadership helped drive India’s rise as a global power and paved the way for a stronger U.S.-India partnership.
President Mukherjee’s many accomplishments resulted in a more prosperous and secure India. As Minister…
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Secretary Pompeo With Lou Dobbs of Lou Dobbs Tonight - China
"QUESTION: Joining us tonight to talk about all of this and much more, the United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Mr. Secretary, good to have you with us. Let’s begin with the rhetoric of the Chinese Government, and it is moving up quite a – to quite heated extremes now. Your interpretation of what’s going on in Beijing.
SECRETARY POMPEO: So, Lou, thanks for having me on. That was quite a list you read there with respect to the Chinese Communist Party’s aggression. I…
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Vietnam National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I send congratulations to the people of Vietnam as you celebrate your National Day.
In 2020, we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of U.S.-Vietnam diplomatic relations. The remarkable transformation of our relationship, across trade and investment, security cooperation, and people-to-people ties, is a testament to those who worked to overcome the past and build a better future for both our peoples. We celebrate the recently signed agreement that will bring Peace Corps…
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Secretary Pompeo With Vince Coglianese and Mary Walter of WMAL’s Mornings On The Mall Radio Show - China
"QUESTION: So Bloomberg just ran a report that the U.S. is pushing China and Iran closer together, and that under the pressure the two are said to be contemplating a 25-year strategic partnership. How does this change the landscape in the world?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Well, China has important interests, and it is – it probably should come as no surprise to anyone that two of the world’s greatest violators of basic human rights might find common cause. So we, when watching this unfold as well…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Motegi discussed coordination on shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region, including upholding the region’s rules-based order. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Japan Alliance and our shared commitment to ensuring peace and security in the region and the world."
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Readout of Secretary Esper's Phone Call With President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka
"Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper spoke with Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa over the phone today. During the call, Secretary Esper congratulated the President on his successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent conclusion of parliamentary elections, and urged continued progress on reconciliation and human rights in Sri Lanka. The two leaders discussed their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that ensures the sovereignty of all nations. Reviewing common bilateral defense priorities, they noted opportunities to enhance military professionalization…
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Readout of Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper's Virtual Meeting With the Singapore Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen
"On August 30, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper met virtually with his Singapore counterpart, Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen to discuss the U.S.-Singapore bilateral defense relationship. Secretary Esper expressed solidarity with Singapore's efforts to address the COVID-19 outbreak and applauded Singapore's success in its pandemic response. Secretary Esper expressed appreciation for the regional access that Singapore provides U.S. forces, and its commitment to continued access made possible by renewal of the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding Regarding United States Use of Facilities in Singapore…
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On the Resignation of Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe
"The United States deeply values the enduring contributions of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in making the U.S.-Japan relationship the strongest it has ever been. He championed our Alliance as a cornerstone of peace and security, and he advanced a free and open Indo-Pacific by working with the United States to build a network of partnerships across the region. We thank him for his many years of dedicated service and wish him a speedy and complete recovery."
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Readout of Secretary Esper's Meeting With Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono
"On August 29, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper hosted Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono in Guam, where they reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Japan Alliance and discussed ways to deepen and expand bilateral defense cooperation.
Secretary Esper and Minister Kono exchanged views on their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The Secretary expressed serious concern regarding Beijing’s decision to impose a national security law in Hong Kong, as well as coercive and destabilizing actions vis-à-vis Taiwan. Both Ministers restated their commitment…