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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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Final Countervailing Duty Determinations on Biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia
"Today, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative final determinations in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigations of imports of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia. Commerce determined that Argentina and Indonesia are providing unfair subsidies to its producers of biodiesel at rates from 71.45 to 72.28 percent and 34.45 to 64.73 percent, respectively. As a result of today’s decision, Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect cash deposits from importers of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia based on the…
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Remarks by President Trump and Chinese President Xi - Trade
"In addition to improving the safety and security of our citizens, President Xi and I discussed improving our economic relationship. We want a vibrant trade relationship with China. We also want a fair and reciprocal one. Today, I discussed with President Xi the chronic imbalance in our relationship as it pertains to trade, and the concrete steps that we'll jointly take to solve the problem of the massive trade distortion. This includes addressing China’s market access restrictions and technology transfer requirements, which prevent American companies…
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Joint Press Release by the US and South Korea
"On November 7-8, President Donald J. Trump made the first state visit to the Republic of Korea by a United States President in 25 years. The President participated in an official state dinner at the Cheongwadae and his third bilateral summit with Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in, addressed the National Assembly, and met with American and South Korean military service members. President Trump laid a wreath at the National Cemetery honoring those South Koreans who gave their lives to defend and support their country…
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President Donald Trump's Visit to South Korea
“The United States and Republic of Korea urged North Korea to abandon its illicit weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs that deepen its diplomatic and economic isolation. The United States and Republic of Korea reaffirmed their commitment to the Maximum Pressure Campaign to bring North Korea back to the path of denuclearization. President Trump emphasized the United States’ priority of defending the Republic of Korea against North Korean aggression, and reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to enhancing United States strategic asset…
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Remarks by President Trump at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea
"Through this entire visit, it has been both our pleasure and our honor to create and celebrate a long friendship between the United States and the Republic of Korea. This alliance between our nations was forged in the crucible of war, and strengthened by the trials of history. From the Inchon landings to Pork Chop Hill, American and South Korean soldiers have fought together, sacrificed together, and triumphed together. [...] Anyone who doubts the strength or determination of the United States should look to our…
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Remarks by President Trump and Korea's President Moon in Response to North Korea's Missile Launch
"North Korea's sixth test of a nuclear device and its missile launches are a threat not only to the people of South Korea but to the people all across our globe. We will together confront North Korea's actions and prevent the North Korean dictator from threatening millions of innocent lives. He is indeed threatening millions and millions of lives so needlessly. North Korea is a worldwide threat that requires worldwide action. We call on every responsible nation, including China and Russia, to demand that the…
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Remarks by President Trump and President Moon of the Republic of Korea at State Dinner
"We'd like to do much more business with South Korea, where South Korea is going to order a lot more. But the good news is, you will be ordering. I mean, we've already worked on that. And through our representatives, the amount of [military] equipment and things that you'll be ordering from the United States will be very substantially increased and therefore we'll be bringing the trade deficit way down, which is very important to our people. We have trade deficits with numerous countries, and…
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Remarks by President Trump to U.S. and Japanese Business Leaders
"This morning, I am pleased to have an opportunity to discuss how we can strengthen and improve the economic ties between the United States and Japan. And I have to say, for the last many decades, Japan has been winning. You do know that. For the, actually, last 70 years, cooperation between our two countries has helped us to pioneer incredible advances in commerce, in science, medicine, and technology. Our students study together, our scholars exchange ideas, and business leaders like you work together to…
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President Trump's Remarks on US-China Trade Imbalances
"The problem we have with China is that for decades they've been -- you know, it's been a very unfair -- let me be very kind to previous administrations -- it's been a very unfair trade situation. Our trade deficit is massive. It's hundreds of billions of dollars a year, anywhere from $350 billion to $504 billion, and that doesn't include intellectual property. And we've already started discussions with China because it has to come down. It has to come down. And that has to…
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President Trump's Meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Abe
“President Trump and Prime Minister Abe reiterated their strong commitment to boost trilateral cooperation with the Republic of Korea in the face of the North Korean threat on anti-submarine warfare, ballistic missile defense, mine sweeping, and information sharing. The United States has already conducted joint exercises with Japan and the Republic of Korea in 2017. The two leaders announced new avenues for engagement to improve aviation and maritime interoperability and coordination. President Trump and Prime Minister Abe reaffirmed their commitment to the realignment of the…
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President Trump's Visit to Japan
“The United States and Japan reaffirmed their mutual commitment to promoting prosperity and development of the Indo-Pacific region by fostering a secure environment and developing high-standard rules. On November 7, 2017, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation will sign Memoranda of Understanding with Japanese partners to offer high-quality United States-Japan infrastructure investment alternatives in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States and Japan launched the Japan-United States Strategic Energy Partnership to promote universal access to affordable and reliable energy in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa…