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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President Trump's Statement on the Paris Climate Accord
"China will be allowed to build hundreds of additional coal plants. So we can’t build the plants, but they can, according to this agreement. India will be allowed to double its coal production by 2020. Think of it: India can double their coal production. We’re supposed to get rid of ours. Even Europe is allowed to continue construction of coal plants. In short, the agreement doesn’t eliminate coal jobs, it just transfers those jobs out of America and the United States, and ships them to…
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USTR Lighthizer Statement on Deal to Send US Beef to China
"I welcome China taking this important step to start allowing U.S. beef imports after shutting them out over 13 years ago. The President's firm commitment to fair trade that benefits the United States has made this new U.S. beef export opportunity possible. I encourage China and all countries to base their requirements on international standards and science. America's ranchers are the best producers of beef in the global economy, and they can compete and succeed wherever there is a level playing field."
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USTR Lighthizer Meets with Japanese Trade Minister
"U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer this afternoon met with Japanese Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroshige Seko to discuss U.S.-Japan trade relations and cooperation against trade-distorting practices by third countries. In their meeting, Ambassador Lighthizer stressed the importance of addressing the bilateral trade imbalance, given the very high and decades-long U.S. goods trade deficit with Japan. He additionally underscored how both countries can effectively utilize the U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue. Both sides also stressed the importance of further deepening enforcement cooperation to address unfair practices…
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USTR Lighthizer Meets with New Zealand's Trade Minister
"U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer this morning welcomed New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay for a meeting on the two countries' strong trade relationship. Ambassador Lighthizer reiterated the United States' commitment to continued engagement in the Pacific region for free and fair trade with all U.S. trading partners. Along with the U.S.-New Zealand Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, he highlighted opportunities to further deepen the trade partnership and to coordinate on solutions to global dairy market challenges. Ambassador Lighthizer underscored that U.S. exporters are deeply…
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USTR Lighthizer Discusses Trade Cooperation with Indonesia Under TIFA
"The United States met with Indonesia on June 12-13 under their Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), agreeing on next steps for expeditiously resolving bilateral issues and further building their trade relations. Ambassador Robert Lighthizer welcomed the shared commitment to intensify engagement under the TIFA. In a concluding meeting with Indonesian Investment Board Chairman Tom Lembong, Ambassador Lighthizer emphasized the Trump Administration’s interest in enhancing ties with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, the importance of addressing outstanding trade issues in the next few months, and…
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Secretary Ross' Meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to discuss the deepening economic relationship between the United States and Vietnam. The leaders also attended a ceremony to recognize 13 new business deals worth more than $8 billion. [...] The deals announced today include more than $3 billion in U.S.-produced content, which collectively support more than 23,000 jobs. The commercial deals between the United States and Vietnam feature a variety of organizations, companies, and industry sectors. During their meeting…
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Joint Statement for Enhancing the Comprehensive Partnership between the United States of America and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
"The President of the United States of America Donald J. Trump hosted the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the White House today to chart an agenda for United States-Vietnam relations, building on the positive momentum of the Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries. As a Pacific power with widespread interests and commitments throughout the Asia Pacific, the United States shares many important interests with Vietnam. The two leaders emphasized that many opportunities lie ahead for United States-Vietnam relations…
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President Trump's Meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Abe
"President Donald J. Trump met today with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan in Taormina, Italy, before the start of the G7 Summit. In the wake of the horrific terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena in the United Kingdom, the two leaders reaffirmed their shared resolve to cooperate to the fullest extent possible to counter terrorist threats. The President said the United States will work with Japan and the Republic of Korea, as well as our other allies and partners around the world, to increase…
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USTR Lighthizer Meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister
"U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer this afternoon met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to discuss the U.S.-Vietnam trade relationship and outstanding bilateral trade issues. The two leaders also discussed the challenges presented by the growth in the U.S. trade deficit with Vietnam and the potential for further improvements in the trade relationship, including through initiatives under the U.S.-Vietnam Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). Ambassador Lighthizer today also met with Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh on these issues, as…
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US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Gala Dinner
"As the Trump Administration begins to advance its agenda for free and fair trade, [Vietnamese] Prime Minister [Nguyen Xuan] Phuc’s visit to Washington is a timely and important opportunity for our two countries to reflect on the impressive growth of our bilateral relationship over the past two decades. Working closely together, our trade and investment ties have grown significantly since we normalized relations in 1995. In 2001, we signed a Bilateral Trade Agreement to serve as a roadmap for increased cooperation on economic reforms in…