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
All Posts
Text
USTR Lighthizer Statement on APEC Meeting
"United States Trade Representative Robert E. Lighthizer attended the 23rd Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Hanoi, Viet Nam, May 20-21. The meeting marks Ambassador Lighthizer’s first international trip as U.S. Trade Representative.[...] 'It was important to me to come to APEC first and foremost to reaffirm the President’s strong commitment to promoting bilateral free and fair trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region. APEC provides a great opportunity to focus energy on the barriers to its stated objective of…
Text
Vice President Remarks at US Chamber of Commerce's Invest in America Summit - China
"The agreement announced last week between America and China [100 day deal] is actually a model of what President Trump will continue to achieve. It opens the path to greater commerce by breaking down barriers to trade and investment in beef, biotechnology, energy, financial services, and more. It was an important accomplishment. I’m confident this agreement will be the first of many -- not only with China but with nations across the wider world."
Text
Vice President Pence's Remarks at US Chamber of Commerce's Invest in America Summit - Indo-Pacific
"In fact, just last month I traveled to the Asia Pacific on the President’s behalf to promote our economic relationships with South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and Australia. And at the President’s direction, together with Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, I had the privilege of announcing a new U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue. We look forward to this dialogue, to seeing it progress, and to exploring ways that we can begin similar discussions with other nations around the world, including many of those gathered here."
…
Text
Secretary Tillerson's Meeting With Republic of Korea Special Envoy Hong Seok-hyun
"On May 18, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met with Republic of Korea Ambassador Hong Seok-hyun, President Moon Jae-in’s Special Envoy to the United States.
During the meeting, Secretary Tillerson congratulated the Moon administration on its recent election. The Secretary reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to defend the Republic of Korea against threats from North Korea. The two also discussed the importance of our continued close coordination."
Text
Secretary Tillerson's Call With Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida
"On May 15, Secretary Tillerson spoke with Japanese Foreign Minister Kishida to discuss the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK’s) May 13 ballistic missile test. Secretary Tillerson reaffirmed our ironclad commitment to stand with our allies. Both Secretary Tillerson and Foreign Minister Kishida agreed that the DPRK’s latest provocation served as another call for all nations to impose far stronger sanctions against the DPRK. Secretary Tillerson also stressed the need to deepen U.S.-Japan-Republic of Korea trilateral cooperation in the face of the DPRK’s provocative weapons…
Text
President Trump's Interview with The Economist - South Korea
"But in the case of South Korea we have a [trade] deal [known as the KORUS FTA] that was made by Hillary Clinton, it’s a horrible deal. And that is the five-year anniversary and it’s up for renegotiation and we’ve informed them that we’ll negotiate. And again, we want a fair deal. We don’t want a one-sided deal our way but we want fair deals. And if we can have fair deals our country is going to do very well."
Text
President Trump's Interview with The Economist - China and Currency Manipulation
"Now, with that in mind, he’s [Chinese President Xi Jinping] representing China and he wants what’s best for China. But so far, you know, he’s been, he’s been very good. But, so they talk about why haven’t you called him a currency manipulator? Now think of this. I say, “Jinping. Please help us, let’s make a deal. Help us with North Korea, and by the way we’re announcing tomorrow that you’re a currency manipulator, OK?” They never say that, you know the fake media, they…
Text
CIA Estabishes Korea Mission Center [Remarks by Then CIA Director Pompeo]
"Creating the Korea Mission Center allows us to more purposefully integrate and direct CIA efforts against the serious threats to the United States and its allies emanating from North Korea,” said CIA Director Mike Pompeo. “It also reflects the dynamism and agility that CIA brings to evolving national security challenges."
Text
President Trump's Call with Korean President Moon
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea to congratulate him and the Korean people on his great election victory and their peaceful, democratic transition of power. President Trump and President Moon agreed to continue to strengthen the United States-Republic of Korea alliance and to deepen the enduring friendship between our two countries. President Trump said he looks forward to working with President Moon and invited him to visit Washington at an early date. President Moon accepted the…
Text
Secretary Mattis' Meeting with New Zealand Minister for Defense Mitchell
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met with New Zealand's Minister for Defense Mark Mitchell in Copenhagen today to discuss the U.S.-New Zealand defense relationship. The two discussed shared collaboration on regional security issues and potential areas to strengthen U.S.-New Zealand defense cooperation. Secretary Mattis expressed appreciation for Minister Mitchell's participation in the D-ISIS ministerial and thanked him for New Zealand's continued collaboration on the D-ISIS mission."