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 Mattis Remarks on US-South Korea Alliance
"Yes, I know that people are watching for a wedge between South Korea, Republic of Korea, in other words, and the United States. There's no wedge there. They -- staff -- the military staffs are integrated. If you move up to the political level, Admiral Song, Minister of Defense Song, flew into Hawaii when I was out in the Pacific, just so he and I could sit down face to face and consult. He broached it to me. He said -- as a matter of…
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Vice President Pence Interview with NBC's Lester Holt
"All options are on the table. I mean, as you've got in North Korea a country that is threatening the United States of America with ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons. But we really do believe there is a peaceable outcome here to the denuclearization of the North Korean peninsula, but it's going to take consistent and intensified pressure to do that. [...] But make no mistake about it. The United States of America has viable military options to deal with a nuclear threat from North Korea."
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Remarks by Vice President Pence in Meeting with North Korean Defectors
"Well, thank you all for being here. We’re very grateful for your presence. We’re very grateful for your courage. And on our second visit to Korea, my wife and I wanted the honor of meeting with men and women who fled the tyranny of North Korea, to hear your stories, and today, to make sure that the world hears your stories as well. We’ve been inspired by your bravery. We ourselves have stood and looked across the demilitarized zone, the line across which you fled…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence in Press Gaggle at Cheonan Memorial
"The Cheonan ship behind me was subject to a torpedo attack by North Korea in 2010. And while the international community, and even the United Nations, confirmed that North Korea engaged in the attack, as I stand before you today, North Korea still refuses to accept responsibility for sinking this ship and costing 46 lives that we remember today. Last night, with President Moon, we both reaffirmed our commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. And President Moon, as he said publicly, he also…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence to Troops at Yokota Air Base
"For nearly 60 years, the sons and daughters of our two nations have stood together in defense of our most cherished values. To this day, our alliance is the cornerstone of peace, prosperity, and freedom in the Indo-Pacific. And as Prime Minister Abe and I agreed just yesterday, the bond between the United States and Japan has never been stronger than it is today."
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Remarks by President Trump at the 66th Annual National Prayer Breakfast
"We know that millions of people in Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, North Korea, and other countries suffer under repressive and brutal regimes. America stands with all people suffering oppression and religious persecution. Last week, during the State of the Union, the world was inspired by the story of a North Korean defector, Mr. Ji Seong-ho, who is now back in South Korea. Before his escape, when Seong-ho was being tortured by North Korean officials, there was one thing that kept him from losing hope: Over and…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence and President Moon of the Republic of Korea Before Bilateral Meeting
"Well, thank you President Moon for the warm welcome. I am honored to join you for my first time at the Blue House and my second time, as Vice President of the United States, to the Republic of Korea. [...] For now nearly 70 years, our two nations have been joined together in peace and in prosperity, and in the security of both of our peoples in the Indo-Pacific. And to be able to be here, to be able to share this great moment in…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence in Press Gaggle Before Air Force Two Departure
"We’re standing in a country [Japan] that has literally seen ballistic missiles overfly their land twice in a single month. And they’ve seen multiple ballistic missiles land within their economic zone, in the Sea of Japan. American Forces Japan and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan are ready for any eventuality, and we will continue to make it clear to all parties that the United States and our allies in this region stand ready at a moment’s notice to defend our people and defend our way…
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President Trump's Call with Prime Minister Modi
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. The leaders pledged to continue working together to enhance security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Affirming President Trump’s South Asia strategy, they reiterated their commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s security and stability. Both leaders expressed concern about the political crisis in Maldives and the importance of respect for democratic institutions and rule of law. They also exchanged views on Burma and ways to address the plight of the Rohingya refugees. President Trump…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence and Prime Minister Abe of Japan in Joint Statements
"Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for your leadership and your actions to strengthen Japan’s role in our alliance. As we discussed today, the United States is committed to provide Japan with additional cutting-edge defense systems, and our nations are now working together to deliver these new defense systems as quickly as possible. The people of Japan can be assured: The full range of the Armed Forces of the United States will continue to be dedicated to the protection of Japan. And working together, the United…
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Press Briefing by Secretary Mattis
"As far as the situation with Korea, it is firmly in the diplomatic lane. We have seen much stronger diplomatic action, for example, the last three United Nations Security Council resolutions — unanimous. And how often do you see France and Russia; PRC, China; and the United States, Great Britain all voting — and other countries — all voting unanimously? I think that makes it very clear this is firmly in the diplomatic lane."