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
All Posts
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Malaysia Independence Day
"On behalf of the United States Government and the American people, I congratulate the people of Malaysia as you celebrate your Independence Day.
The strong partnership between the United States and Malaysia allows us to better face new challenges and pursue new opportunities for our citizens. Building on our robust economic, security, and people-to-people ties, we continue to make progress on our shared goal of promoting a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. We look forward to another year of advancement in the relations between our two…
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Secretary Esper's Meeting With the President of the Republic of Palau and Other Members of his Cabinet
"Today, Secretary Mark T. Esper became the first Secretary of Defense to visit Palau. Secretary Esper met with the President of the Republic of Palau and other members of his Cabinet. The two leaders reinforced the importance of the Compact of Free Association and exchanged views on current regional security issues and concerns. Secretary Esper and President Remengesau emphasized their support for the ongoing negotiations to extend the Compact, and they expressed a desire for continued progress and a swift conclusion of the talks. Both…
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Op-Ed by Commerce Secretary Ross on U.S. Trade Policy - South Korea and China
"The United States–Korea Free Trade Agreement, known as KORUS, has also been revitalized. KORUS will reduce the trade deficit and strengthen our economic and national security relationship.
The U.S.-China Phase One Trade Agreement will boost our exports, decrease our trade deficit, and will be strictly enforced for the benefit of American workers, farmers, and businesses.
To further protect U.S. national security and defend American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade, the Trump Administration has greatly enhanced trade enforcement efforts. We have initiated twice as…
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Readout of Secretary Esper's Call With Papua New Guinea Minister for Defense Saki Soloma
"On August 26, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper spoke with the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Minister for Defense, Saki Soloma; a historic first call between the defense counterparts. Secretary Esper and Minister Soloma spoke to the importance of upholding international rules and norms and their commitment to defending a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Both leaders reinforced the strength of the bilateral relationship and discussed pressing regional security issues. The principals concluded the conversation by reaffirming their commitment to future cooperation and collaboration in…
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Secretary Esper's Remarks at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies 25th Anniversary Speaker Event
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Commerce Department Adds 24 Chinese Companies to the Entity List for Helping Build Military Islands in the South China Sea
"The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) in the Department of Commerce (Commerce) added 24 Chinese companies to the Entity List for their role in helping the Chinese military construct and militarize the internationally condemned artificial islands in the South China Sea. Despite protests from the United States and other countries, the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has been rapidly building the artificial islands since 2013, enabling the Communist Chinese Party’s (CCP) militarization of disputed outposts in the South China Sea to…
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U.S. Imposes Restrictions on Certain PRC State-Owned Enterprises and Executives for Malign Activities in the South China Sea
"The United States supports a free and open South China Sea. We respect the sovereign rights of all nations, regardless of size, and seek to preserve peace and uphold freedom of the seas in a manner consistent with international law. In July, I announced an updated policy regarding Beijing’s unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea and emphasized that the United States was prepared to take firm action to oppose Beijing’s campaign of bullying.
Today, the Department of State will begin imposing visa restrictions…
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On China’s Continued Coercion of the United Kingdom
"The United States is dismayed to learn that the Chinese Communist Party’s coercive bullying tactics against our friends in the United Kingdom continues. In the latest example, British bank HSBC has reportedly prevented Hong Kong-based executives at Next Media, a well-known publisher of pro-democracy publications, from accessing their credit cards and personal bank accounts. The bank is thus maintaining accounts for individuals who have been sanctioned for denying freedom for Hong Kongers, while shutting accounts for those seeking freedom.
Only a few months ago, HSBC’s…
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Designation of People’s Republic of China (PRC) Foreign National and Hong Kong Entity under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act
"Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated one of the most significant drug traffickers in the world – Chinese national Zhang Taotao. Zhang and Hong Kong-based entity Allyrise Technology Group Co., Limited, were designated pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act) for their role in international drug trafficking. Today’s action is part of a continued whole-of-government effort to combat the illegal production and trafficking of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids from the PRC, which have claimed…