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' Meeting with Malaysian Minister of Defense Hishammuddin
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met today with Malaysian Minister of Defense Hishammuddin Tun Hussein on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) convened in Clark, the Philippines. The secretary and Minister Hishammuddin exchanged views on regional security and emphasized the need for continued ASEAN centrality to address shared security challenges facing Southeast Asia. The two leaders discussed the importance of a free and open Indo-Asian Pacific that safeguards freedom of navigation through a rules-based international order. Secretary Mattis and Minister Hishammuddin agreed…
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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations on Carbon and Alloy Steel Wire Rod from Italy, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of carbon and alloy steel wire rod (wire rod) from Italy, Korea, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, finding that producers/exporters in these countries have sold carbon and alloy steel wire rod in the United States at less than fair value."
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Philippine President Duterte
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met Oct. 24 with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) that convened in Clark, the Philippines. They discussed the strength of the U.S.-Philippines relationship and Secretary Mattis reaffirmed our ironclad commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Alliance. Secretary Mattis and President Duterte exchanged views on the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific built on the foundations of a shared rules-based international order. Secretary Mattis reaffirmed U.S. resolve to stand by its long-time…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Lorenzana
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met Oct. 24 with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) convened in Clark, the Philippines. The two leaders discussed the depth and breadth of the U.S.-Philippines relationship, including the enduring people-to-people ties between the two nations. Secretary Mattis reaffirmed the United States' ironclad commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Alliance and the importance of strengthening defense capabilities through regular bilateral training and exercises. Secretary Mattis and Secretary Lorenzana exchanged views on…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Vietnamese Minister of National Defense Lich
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met with Vietnam Minister of National Defense Ngo Xuan Lich on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines. The two leaders exchanged views on regional security and emphasized the need for continued ASEAN cooperation to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. They also reaffirmed their intention to deepen the bilateral defense relationship, particularly in the area of maritime security, and highlighted progress made since their August meeting in Washington. Secretary Mattis underscored the United…
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Secretary Mattis' ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus [ADMM-Plus] Meeting
"Secretary Mattis reaffirmed the United States' commitment to allies and partners across the region, and to a free and open Indo-Pacific, which includes a strong ASEAN that speaks with one voice on regional and global issues. The secretary stressed the importance of international cooperation to pressure North Korea in order to realize the shared goal of complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. Secretary Mattis congratulated the Philippines on its recent successes against ISIS in the southern Philippines. To improve counterterrorism cooperation among ASEAN…
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United States-Japan-Republic of Korea Defense Ministerial Meeting Joint Press Statement
"U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera, and Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo convened the 9th Trilateral Defense Ministerial Meeting in Clark, Philippines on October 23 on the margins of the 2017 Association of Southeast Asian Nations Defense Ministerial Meeting Plus. During the meeting, they held substantive discussions on North Korea, the regional security situation, and deepening security cooperation. [...] The Ministers called on North Korea to abandon its unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs in a…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Japanese Minister of Defense Onodera
"Secretary Mattis reaffirmed that Article 5 of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands and that the United States will continue to oppose any unilateral action that seeks to undermine Japan’s administration of these islands. Both Secretary Mattis and Minister Onodera expressed serious concern about the situation in the South China Sea and reaffirmed their opposition to unilateral coercive actions by claimants, including the reclamation and militarization of disputed features, which alter the status quo and increase tensions. Secretary Mattis and Minister Onodera…
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Remarks by President Trump and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee
"The United States and Singapore share a profound belief in a society built on a foundation of law. A nation ruled by law provides the greatest security for the rights of citizens and the best path to shared and lasting prosperity. Both the United States and Singapore understand the unmatched power of private enterprise to uplift the human condition. These values have made our societies stronger, sustained our partnership through the Cold War, and laid a critical foundation for our lasting relationship today. Our common…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Korean Minister of National Defense Song
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met with Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo in Clark, Philippines on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministerial Meeting Plus to discuss regional and global security issues, including the threat posed by North Korea. Secretary Mattis and Minister Song reaffirmed the U.S.-ROK alliance is the linchpin of peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. They agreed to continue discussions in Seoul at the 49th U.S.-ROK Security Consultative Committee, scheduled for October 28, 2017."
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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 congratulate him on his recent electoral victory. The two leaders underscored the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and a strong United States-Japan alliance. President Trump reaffirmed his desire to continue working closely with Prime Minister Abe, and said he looks forward to visiting Japan in early November."