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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President Trump's Call with Korean President Moon
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea to discuss ongoing efforts to prepare for their upcoming engagements with North Korea. Both leaders affirmed the importance of learning from the mistakes of the past, and pledged continued, close coordination to maintain maximum pressure on the North Korean regime. The two leaders agreed that concrete actions, not words, will be the key to achieving permanent denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and President Trump reiterated his intention to meet with…
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USTR Lighthizer Meets with European Commissioner for Trade and Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry
"Mrs Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Trade, Mr. Hiroshige Seko, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan and Ambassador Robert E. Lighthizer, United States Trade Representative met in Brussels on 10 March, 2018. The Ministers confirmed their shared objective to address non market-oriented policies and practices that lead to severe overcapacity, create unfair competitive conditions for our workers and businesses, hinder the development and use of innovative technologies, and undermine the proper functioning of international trade, including where existing rules are not effective."
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President Trump's Remarks at Rally for Republican Congressional Candidate Rick Saccone
"And I must tell you, President Xi of China has really helped us a lot. They have really helped us. And because 93 percent of the goods come in through China going into Korea, North Korea, 93 percent. So that's pretty powerful. And they have been very good. They could have done more, but that's OK. I say to them, you have been great. You could you done more. But they have done a lot. They have done more. China has done more for us…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence at an America First Policies "Tax Cuts to Put America First" Event
"And in the wake of North Korea’s provocations and threats against the United States and our allies, President Trump made it clear that the era of strategic patience was over. And the President’s strategy for isolating North Korea is working. For more than a year, our administration worked with our allies and partners to bring unprecedented economic and diplomatic pressure to bear on North Korea. And just last night, the world learned that North Korea is now willing to meet to discuss denuclearization, and is…
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President Trump's Phone Call with Chinese President Xi
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Xi Jinping of China about recent developments related to North Korea. The two leaders welcomed the prospect of dialogue between the United States and North Korea, and committed to maintain pressure and sanctions until North Korea takes tangible steps toward complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization. President Trump expressed his hope that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un might choose a brighter path for North Korea’s future."
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President Trump's Call with Japanese Prime Minister Abe
"President Donald J. Trump spoke with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to discuss the situation in North Korea and to continue the close coordination between our two countries. President Trump and Prime Minister Abe assessed that the maximum pressure policy, together with international solidarity, brought us to this critical juncture. The leaders affirmed their strong intention to continue close trilateral coordination with South Korea to maintain pressure and enforce international sanctions until such point that North Korea takes tangible steps toward complete, verifiable, and…
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Tariffs on Steel and Aluminium Imports to the United States - Indonesia
On March 8, 2018, President Donald Trump signed new tariffs into law on steel and aluminum imports. The tariffs, which are set to take effect 15 days from their signing, instill penalties of 25% on imported steel and 10% on imported aluminum. The tariffs have faced pushback within the United States and countries around the world. Currently, Canada and Mexico have been exempted from the tariffs as negotiations over the North American Free…
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Secretary Ross Announces $1.19 Billion Penalty for Chinese Company’s Export Violations to Iran and North Korea
"Secretary of Commerce Wilbur L. Ross, Jr. Stoday announced that China’s Zhongxing Telecommunications Equipment Corporation and ZTE Kangxun Telecommunications Ltd., known collectively as ZTE, has agreed to a record-high combined civil and criminal penalty of $1.19 billion, pending approval from the courts, after illegally shipping telecommunications equipment to Iran and North Korea in violation of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR). As part of the settlement, ZTE has agreed to pay a penalty of $661 million to Commerce’s…