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 Korean Minister of National Defense Song
"On August 16, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo to congratulate him on his confirmation as ROK Minister of National Defense and to discuss a range of U.S.-ROK Alliance issues. Both Secretary Mattis and Minister Song strongly condemned North Korea’s second intercontinental ballistic missile test on July 28 and resolved to continue to closely coordinate responses to the North Korean threat. Secretary Mattis reaffirmed the ironclad U.S. commitment to defend the ROK and…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Onodera
"Today, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met with Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera on the sidelines of the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee (SCC) to reaffirm the strength of the U.S.- Japan Alliance. During the meeting, the secretary emphasized that the United States remains steadfast in its ironclad commitment to defend Japan in the face of common threats, such as those posed by North Korea. They also discussed the accelerating implementation of the 2015 Revised Guidelines for Bilateral Defense Cooperation and enhancing Japan's defense capabilities."
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Joint Statement of the Security Consultative Committee [United States and Japan]
"The Ministers confirmed their shared intent to develop specific measures and actions to further strengthen the U.S.-Japan Alliance, including through reviewing roles, missions, and capabilities, to ensure seamless Alliance responses across a full spectrum of situations amid an increasingly challenging regional security environment. To that end, Japan intends to expand its role in the Alliance and augment its defense capabilities, with an eye on the next planning period for its Mid-Term Defense Program. The United States remains committed to deploying its most advanced capabilities to…
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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. The two leaders exchanged views on the growing threat from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), including the DPRK’s most recent threats to United States and Japanese territory. President Trump reaffirmed that the United States stands ready to defend and respond to any threat or actions taken by North Korea against the United States or its allies, South Korea and Japan. President Trump and Prime Minister Abe also discussed a range…
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President Trump's Call with Indian Prime Minister Modi
"President Donald J. Trump spoke yesterday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to congratulate the 1.2 billion citizens of India, who will celebrate 70 years of freedom and independence on August 15. The leaders resolved to enhance peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region by establishing a new 2-by-2 ministerial dialogue that will elevate their strategic consultations. As the leaders of two of the world’s largest and fastest-growing major economies, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi looked forward to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in…
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Secretary Mattis Remarks at a Press Conference
"If they [North Korea] fire at the United States, it could escalate into war very quickly. Yes, that's called war if they shoot at us. If they do that it's game on."
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Secretary Mattis' Joint statement with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on North Korea
"The object of our peaceful pressure campaign is the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The U.S. has no interest in regime change or accelerated reunification of Korea. We do not seek an excuse to garrison U.S. troops north of the Demilitarized Zone. We have no desire to inflict harm on the long-suffering North Korean people, who are distinct from the hostile regime in Pyongyang. Our diplomatic approach is shared by many nations supporting our goals, including China, which has dominant economic leverage over Pyongyang. China…
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President Trump's Comments on North Korea and China
"Frankly, the people who are questioning that statement [promising 'fire and fury' against North Korea], was it too tough? Maybe it wasn't tough enough. [...] They've [North Korea] been doing this to our country for a long time - for many years, and it's about time someone stuck up for this country and for the people of other countries. So if anything, maybe that statement wasn't tough enough. [...] I think China can do a lot more, yes, China can. And I think China will…
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Vice President Pence’s Call with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull
"Vice President Mike Pence spoke today with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia. Prime Minister Turnbull offered his sympathy for the Osprey incident off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The two leaders discussed the recent counterterrorism operation in Sydney and agreed on the importance of fighting terrorism and radicalism in all their forms. Vice President Pence and Prime Minister Turnbull also discussed the grave and growing threat North Korea poses to countries near and far. Reflecting on joint counterterrorism initiatives and the shared North Korea…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Vietnamese Minister of National Defense Lich
"The Secretary and the Minister of Defense agreed to deepen defense cooperation, including by expanding maritime cooperation. The Ministers also directed their staffs to work toward arranging a first carrier visit to Vietnam once technical conditions permit. The Secretary highlighted the robust level of peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and Coast Guard cooperation, including the recent transfer of a former United States Coast Guard cutter to improve Vietnam’s maritime law enforcement capabilities. The two leaders agreed that a strong U.S.-Vietnam defense relationship promotes regional and global security…