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
All Posts
Text
Secretary Mattis Remarks on North Korea
"Well, that's part of the issues that we'll be discussing in the negotiations with our allies first and, of course, with North Korea. So, I think for right now, we just have to go along with the process, have the negotiations, and not try to make preconditions or presumptions about how it's going to go. We -- the diplomats are going to have to go to work now. [...] This is about international relations. This is about negotiations and we will build, through confidence-building measures…
Text
Secretary Pompeo's Remarks at NATO's Press Availability
I also want to congratulate the Republic of Korea and North Korea on the historic meeting, and the Korean people’s aspirations for peace and prosperity. Let there be no doubt: We would not be where we are today without President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign and the work that has been done all around the world to apply pressure to North Korea. We are encouraged by President Moon and Leader Kim Jong-un’s stated goal of complete denuclearization in the Panmunjom Declaration. We’re studying the declaration closely…
Text
President Trump's Remarks About US Trade Delegation to China
"The Treasury Secretary, Steve Mnuchin, will be going to China in a few days to negotiate on trade. I think China is very serious; we’re very serious. And we have no choice but to be very serious. You know we’ve put on very substantial tariffs, and that will continue unless we make a trade deal. I think we’ve got a very good chance of making a deal. As you know, they’ve just stated — President Xi, a terrific guy and a friend of mine, but…
Text
President Trump's Remarks on US Trade Delegation to China and China's Assistance with Managing North Korea
"I will say this: We put the strongest sanctions on a country that we ever have put on any country, by far. China, President Xi, has been very strong in helping us to solve this problem — in his case, at the border. He’s allowing very little to get through. I think he’s doing that for a number of reasons. We have a very good relationship, and also it’s very important in terms of trade, because I do play the trade card. If you look…
Text
Secretary Mattis Meets with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence General Wongsuwan
"Secretary James N. Mattis met with Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence General Prawit Wongsuwan to discuss the U.S.-Thailand defense relationship and regional security issues. Secretary Mattis highlighted the priority the National Defense Strategy places on working with allies and partners to advance common interests and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The leaders reflected on the broad range of U.S.-Thai defense cooperation and discussed opportunities to enhance the alliance's strength and contributions. Secretary Mattis expressed confidence that the future for the…
Text
Secretary Mattis Meets with Japanese Defense Minister Onodera
"Defense Secretary James N. Mattis met with Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera of Japan at the Pentagon today [April 20, 2018]. In a statement summarizing the meeting, Pentagon officials said the two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance, and positively noting the increasing role the Japan Self-Defense Force is playing in regional security, including supporting the United Nations Security Council Resolution enforcement and mutual asset protection operations."