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 Defers the Issuance of the Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determination on Aluminum Foil from the People's Republic of China
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department will defer issuing its preliminary determination in the antidumping duty (AD) investigation on aluminum foil from China. The deferral will allow the Commerce Department to fully analyze information pertaining to China’s status as a non-market economy (NME) country, which is being contemplated within the context of this AD investigation."
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President Trump's Call with Japanese Prime Minister Abe
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, who called to express his condolences to all of the victims and others affected by the senseless shooting in Las Vegas. The two leaders committed to continue close coordination on a range of issues, including North Korea, in advance of the President’s visit to Japan in November."
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Joint Statement between the US and the Kingdom of Thailand
“The President of the United States of America Donald J. Trump welcomed the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand General Prayut Chan-o-cha to the White House today to reaffirm the importance of the enduring alliance between the United States and Thailand and to discuss their shared commitment to promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The two leaders shared the view that the long friendship and close cooperation that have existed between their two countries and peoples for almost two…
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Remarks by President Trump and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha
"We've had a long and very storied history with Thailand. In fact, we were just mentioning that Andrew Jackson, who is on the wall, was the president when we first developed the big relationship. So we have a very strong relationship right now, as of this moment, and it's getting stronger in the last nine months. We've done a lot of things together, and it is a tremendous -- it's really very good to have you with us. [...] I do want to say that…
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USTR Lighthizer Statement on the Conclusion of the Second Special Session of the U.S.-Korea FTA Joint Committee
"U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer today released the following statement on the conclusion of the second special session of the U.S.-Korea (KORUS) Free Trade Agreement. Ambassador Lighthizer and Korean Trade Minister Hyun-chong Kim co-chaired the meeting today at the offices of the U.S. Trade Representative in Washington, DC.'I initiated Joint Committee discussions at the direction of the President to improve outcomes under this agreement for all Americans. I now look forward to intensified engagement with Korea in an expeditious manner to resolve outstanding implementation issues…
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Secretary Ross Remarks on the US-China Trade Relationship
"We do need major change, and I hope and I believe that we’ve made that clear to the Chinese government, because the relationship is too lopsided at present [...] The most important thing is better market access both for companies operating there physically and for companies exporting there [...] We can understand that they would desire self-sufficiency and if the way they get there is through a free and open level playing field, and it’s a fair match, we’re fine with that [...] Now we’re…
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Press Conference with Secretary Mattis and Indian Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitharaman
"U.S.-India defense cooperation has steadily expanded in recent years, underpinned by a strategic convergence between our two countries based on common objectives and goals in the region. This cooperation will benefit both economies, while reducing legacy trust issues between our two democracies. The United States' designation of India as a major defense partner reflects the progress made in strengthening our cooperation. This designation recognizes India as a pillar of regional stability and security, and it reflects our desire for a long-term strategic partnership in the…
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Secretary Ross' Meetings with Chinese Officials
"On September 25, Secretary Wilbur Ross and Ambassador Terry Branstad met separately with Premier Li Keqiang, Vice Premier Wang Yang, NDRC Chairman He Lifeng, Director of the Party Central Economic and Financial Affairs Leading Small Group Liu He, and MIIT Minister Miao Wei. The Secretary also met with his counterpart, Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan, on the evening of September 24. The meetings provided opportunities to prepare the ground for President Trump's planned visit to Asia later this fall and to engage in a friendly…