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 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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Remarks by President Trump to Servicemembers at Yokota Air Base
“For almost 60 years, the military alliance we see on this base has endured -- a cornerstone of sovereignty, security, and prosperity for our nations, this region, and indeed the entire world. Today, we pay tribute to that legacy -- a legacy you protect and grow each and every day. […] Here in Japan, we have seen the amazing things that are possible when a people are free and independent. Over the course of a single lifetime, the Japanese people have built one of the…
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President Trump's Interview with Laura Ingraham
"Well, you know Japan is a warrior nation. And I tell China and I tell everyone else that, listen, you’re going to have yourself a big problem with Japan pretty soon if you allow this to continue with North Korea. [...] Well, look, they’re an ally – they’re an ally. The Prime Minister is a very good friend of mine. Prime Minister Abe – I’ve become very close. I’ve become very, very, close to President Xi of China. I think a lot of good things…
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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Countervailing Determinations on Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from the People’s Republic of China and India
"U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigations, finding that exporters of fine denier polyester staple fiber from the People’s Republic of China (China) and India received countervailable subsidies of 41.73 to 47.64 percent and 7.18 to 9.86 percent, respectively. The Commerce Department will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of fine denier polyester staple fabric from China and India based on these preliminary rates. In 2016, imports of fine…
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President Trump's Call with Indian Prime Minister Modi
"Today, President Donald J. Trump spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and accepted his condolences following the October 31 terrorist attack in New York City. Prime Minister Modi strongly condemned terrorism, and offered thoughts and prayers for the victims and their families. The two leaders resolved that India and the United States will continue to fight together against the global scourge of terrorism."
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USTR Lighthizer Statement on the President's New Paradigm for US-Indo-Pacific Trade
"The President spoke loud and clear: the era of trade compromised by massive state intervention, subsidies, closed markets and mercantilism is ending. Free, fair and reciprocal trade that leads to market outcomes and greater prosperity is on the horizon. President Trump understands that too many nations talk about free trade abroad, only to shield their economies behind tariff and non-tariff barriers at home. The United States will no longer allow these actions to continue, and we are willing to use our economic leverage to pursue…
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USTR Lighthizer Statement on WTO Dispute on Indonesia's Agricultural Restrictions
“This is a significant win for U.S. farmers and ranchers. Given Indonesia’s market size and U.S. competitiveness, we should be selling many more agricultural products to Indonesian consumers. The Trump Administration will continue to use all our tools, including WTO dispute settlement and other mechanisms, to ensure that world-class U.S. agricultural products get fair access to markets around the world.”
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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Countervailing Determinations on Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from the People’s Republic of China and India
"U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigations, finding that exporters of fine denier polyester staple fiber from the People’s Republic of China (China) and India received countervailable subsidies of 41.73 to 47.64 percent and 7.18 to 9.86 percent, respectively. [...] In 2016, imports of fine denier polyester staple fiber from China and India were valued at an estimated $79.4 million, $14.8 million, respectively."
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President Trump's Call with Japanese Prime Minister Abe
"President Donald J. Trump spoke yesterday with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to discuss President Trump’s upcoming travel to Japan. Both leaders affirmed the importance of promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region and maintaining close coordination between the United States and Japan, and with the international community, to maximize pressure on North Korea."
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Secretary Mattis' Meetings with South Korean Officials
"On October 26, 2017, in separate meetings in Seoul, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met with Republic of Korea (ROK) President Moon Jae-in, ROK National Security Advisor Chung Eui-yong, and ROK Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-Hwa ito discuss regional and global security issues, including the threat posed by North Korea. In each meeting, the leaders reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-ROK alliance, and noted the importance of a strong military to support the diplomatic efforts of the international community to achieve their shared goal…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Indonesian Minister of Defense Ryamizard
"On October 25, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met with Indonesian Minister of Defense Ryamizard Ryacudu on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Clark, Pampanga, Republic of the Philippines. The two leaders exchanged views on regional security and emphasized the need for continued ASEAN centrality and cooperation to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific that safeguards the rules-based international order. The Secretary shared Minister Ryamizard’s concerns regarding violent extremism, particularly the threat posed by ISIS and other terrorist organizations. The two…