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 Meets with Japanese Defense Minister Onodera
"Defense Secretary James N. Mattis spoke with Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera yesterday [over the phone] to discuss a range of issues related to the U.S.-Japan alliance. [...They] 'condemned North Korea's reckless and unlawful behavior' [...and Secretary] Mattis reaffirmed the U.S. commitments to Japan’s defense and pledged to work closely with Onodera to bolster critical alliance capabilities."
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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. President Moon briefed President Trump on the outcomes of the discussions between North and South Korea on January 9 and thanked President Trump for his influential leadership in making the talks possible. The two leaders underscored the importance of continuing the maximum pressure campaign against North Korea. President Trump expressed his openness to holding talks between the United States and North Korea at the appropriate time, under the right circumstances…
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President Trump Remarks on Opioid Crisis
"We’re pleased to be joined by many of the members of Congress as we take an important step to halt the flood of deadly drugs that are pouring into our country like never before. It took place two, three, four years ago. It’s at a level that people haven’t seen over the last few years. In a few moments, I’ll sign the INTERDICT Act. This law directs the Department of Homeland Security to provide additional tools and resources to detect and…
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Readout of Secretary Mattis’ Phone Call with Japan Minister of Defense Onodera
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis spoke with Japan Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera today to discuss a range of U.S.-Japan Alliance matters. Secretary Mattis and Minister Onodera condemned North Korea’s reckless and unlawful behavior. They discussed the importance of maximizing pressure on North Korea so it changes its path, refrains from provocative and threatening actions, and makes a strategic decision to abandon its nuclear and missile programs. Secretary Mattis described the North Korean threat as a global problem, and the two officials underscored the…
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President Trump's Remarks After Congressional Republican Leadership Retreat
"I spoke with the President, as you know — with President Moon of South Korea. He thanked me very much for my tough stance. And you know, for 25 years, they haven’t been using a tough stance. They’ve been giving everything. When you look at what Bill Clinton did — and you’ve seen the famous clip where Bill Clinton wants to give them everything, and where I said, years ago, with Russert on Meet the Press — many years ago, I talked to — I…
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Readout of Secretary Mattis’ Phone Call with Korean Minister of National Defense Song
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis spoke with Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo today to discuss a range of U.S.-ROK Alliance matters. Both Secretary Mattis and Minister Song recognized the dangers of North Korea’s reckless and unlawful behavior, which goes against the strong consensus of the international community, as reflected in multiple United Nations Security Council Resolutions. The two leaders affirmed the strength of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. Secretary Mattis reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to defend the ROK using the full…
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USTR Lighthizer Announces KORUS Negotiations to Be Held in Seoul, South Korea
"United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced today negotiations on amendments and modifications of the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) will be held in Seoul, Korea on January 31 and February 1, 2018. The United States will engage on priority areas with the goal of moving towards fair and reciprocal trade and resolving additional cross-cutting and sector-specific barriers impacting U.S. exports. The United States delegation will be led by Michael Beeman, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Japan, Korea and APEC. The Republic of…
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USTR Lighthizer Discusses Negotiations on KORUS FTA
"On January 5, 2018, officials from the United States and the Republic of Korea met at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to advance talks related to the U.S.-Korea (KORUS) Free Trade Agreement, including negotiations on Agreement modifications and amendments. The United States delegation was led by Michael Beeman, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Japan, Korea and APEC. The Republic of Korea delegation was led by Ms. Myung-hee Yoo, Director General from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE). [...] At the conclusion…
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Secretary Mattis Remarks on North Korea
"In terms of is it one-off from him [North Korean Chairman Kim Jong Un, regarding comments he made that signal potential outreach to South Korea] or a real olive branch, I don't know. It shows again that the democracies and the nations that are trying to keep this from going to war and stopping the provocations of nuclear weapon development, of ballistic missile launches and that sort of thing are united and trying to keep this thing in a solution - a diplomatic solution vein…
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Press Gaggle with Secretary Mattis
"The de-confliction of the drill [between South Korean and US troops ahead of the Winter Olympics, which South Korea is hosting] is a de-confliction of the drill with the ongoing - the logistics - all the pressure on their system, whether it be police who have to be in places to direct traffic - they're usually in position to direct military traffic and keep that safe, you know. So, it's just the normal de-confliction there. I wouldn't read too much into it because we don't…