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' Call with Japanese Minister of Defense Onodera
"Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke by phone with his Japanese counterpart Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera on the evening of 14 September following the latest North Korean missile launch. The secretary reassured his Japanese counterpart of America's unwavering commitment to the defense of Japan and the broader security of the region. Secretary Mattis and Minister Onodera agreed that the North Korean provocation called for a strong demonstration of a unified front between the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, and agreed on…
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U.S. Department of Commerce Initiates Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Investigations of Imports of Titanium Sponge from Japan and Kazakhstan
"U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross has announced the initiation of new antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations to determine whether imports of titanium sponge from Japan and Kazakhstan are being unfairly dumped in the United States, and whether producers in Kazakhstan are receiving alleged unfair subsidies. [...] In 2016, imports of titanium sponge from Japan and Kazakhstan were valued at an estimated $144.8 million and $374 thousand, respectively."
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President Trump's Meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib
"The President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, hosted the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak, at the White House to strengthen the Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries as they mark the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations. The United States and Malaysia share a long history of close cooperation built on economic ties and mutual security interests. The two leaders pledged to continue building upon that relationship through enhanced diplomatic, economic, security, and people-to-people ties. President Trump and Prime Minister Najib…
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Secretary Mattis' Call with Japanese Minister of Defense Onodera
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke today by telephone with Japanese Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera to discuss North Korea's test of a nuclear device on September 2. Secretary Mattis and Minister Onodera both condemned the test as a destabilizing provocation that threatens both regional and global security. Secretary Mattis underscored that the United States' commitment to defend Japan, including the U.S. extended deterrence commitment, remains ironclad. Secretary Mattis also underscored the United States would work with Japan to enhance its ballistic missile defense capabilities…
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President Trump's Call with Australian Prime Minister Turnbull
"President Donald J. Trump spoke yesterday with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia to discuss North Korea’s claimed test of a hydrogen bomb on September 3. The two leaders condemned North Korea’s belligerent actions and confirmed that their two countries will intensify joint efforts to denuclearize North Korea. President Trump reaffirmed his commitment to defending the homeland, territories, and allies of the United States, using all available diplomatic and military capabilities. The two leaders also discussed a range of global issues of mutual concern."
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Secretary Mattis' Call with Korean Minister of Defense Song
"On September 5, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo to discuss North Korea's test of a nuclear device on September 2. Secretary Mattis assured Minister Song that the United States remains ironclad in its commitment to the defense of the ROK. He further emphasized that any threat to the United States, its territories, or its allies will be met with a massive, effective, and overwhelming military response. Secretary Mattis and Minister Song discussed…
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U.S. Department of Commerce Initiates Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Investigations of Imports of Stainless Steel Flanges from China and India
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the initiation of new antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations to determine whether imports of stainless steel flanges from China and India are being dumped in the United States, and whether producers in China and India are receiving alleged unfair subsidies."
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U.S. Department of Commerce Initiates Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Investigations of Imports of Stainless Steel Flanges from China and India
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the initiation of new antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations to determine whether imports of stainless steel flanges from China and India are being dumped in the United States, and whether producers in China and India are receiving alleged unfair subsidies."
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President Trump's Call with Korean President Moon
President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Moon Jae-in of South Korea to discuss the allied response to North Korea’s claimed September 3 test of a hydrogen bomb. Both leaders underscored the grave threat that North Korea’s latest provocation poses to the entire world. The two leaders agreed to maximize pressure on North Korea using all means at their disposal. They also pledged to strengthen joint military capabilities. President Trump gave his in-principle approval to South Korea’s initiative to lift restrictions on their missile…
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President Trump's Call with Japanese Prime Minister Abe
"President Donald J. Trump spoke with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to discuss North Korea’s claimed test of a hydrogen bomb, on September 3. The two leaders condemned North Korea’s continued destabilizing and provocative actions, confirmed the two countries’ ironclad mutual defense commitments, and pledged to continue close cooperation. President Trump reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to defending our homeland, territories, and allies using the full range of diplomatic, conventional, and nuclear capabilities at our disposal."