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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Readout of the Vice President’s Meeting with Interfaith Religious Leaders in Southeast Asia
Vice President Mike Pence participated in an interfaith dialogue with faith leaders of Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Confucianism at the conclusion of his tour of the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia. Vice President Pence expressed appreciation to Indonesia for its shared commitment to religious freedom and reaffirmed that the United States will continue to defend this fundamental freedom, at home and abroad.
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Vice President Pence Remarks on USS Ronald Reagan - Japan
“The U.S. will strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific. Japan will assume a larger role and responsibility in our alliance in the years ahead. Both of our nations will continue to expand our cooperation for our common defense. [...] Under President Trump, the U.S. commitment to Article 5 of our security treaty is unwavering, and the treaty covers all of the territories administered by Japan, including the Senkaku Islands.”
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Vice President Pence and Deputy Prime Minister Aso on the U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue
"Vice President Mike Pence and Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso met today to launch the U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue in Tokyo, Japan. In February, President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to this Economic Dialogue when the two leaders met in Washington, D.C., as a way to deepen the strong economic ties between the United States and Japan. The Co-Chairs agreed to structure the Economic Dialogue along three policy pillars: Common Strategy on Trade and Investment Rules/Issues; Cooperation in Economic and Structural Policies…
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Secretary Ross Meeting with Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Seko
"The U.S. is keen to increase trade with Japan through a trade agreement, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross told reporters on Tuesday morning after meeting Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Hiroshige Seko in Tokyo. 'We are certainly eager to increase our trade relationships with Japan and to do so in the form of an agreement,' Ross said when asked whether the two ministers had discussed a free trade agreement between the two countries. The Trump administration has expressed its intention to discuss a bilateral…
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Vice President Pence’s Meeting with South Korean Speaker of the National Assembly Chung
"Vice President Mike Pence met with Speaker of the National Assembly, Chung Sye-kyun, in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The Vice President reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to our ironclad U.S.-ROK alliance and underscored the important role the alliance plays in upholding peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. Vice President Pence and Speaker Chung discussed the importance of coordination and consultation to address the North Korean threat and underscored commitment to our ongoing bilateral efforts to deploy THAAD. The Vice President emphasized that whatever the outcome…
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Vice President Pence Interview with CNN's Dana Bash
"I know the President was heartened by his discussions with President Xi. We've seen China begin to take some actions to bring pressure on North Korea but there needs to be more. [...] I know the President of the United States has no higher priority than the safety and security of the American people. The presence of US forces here in South Korea are a long-standing commitment to the Asia Pacific. And insuring the security of the continental US will be a priority in this…
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President Trump's Remarks on China and Currency Manipulation
"'They're [China] not currency manipulators.'"
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President Trump's Interview with the Wall Street Journal - China and North Korea
"We have tremendous trade deficits with everybody, but the big one is with China. It’s hundreds of billions of dollars of year for many many years. And I told them. I said you know, we’re not going to let that go ahead. Now, I did say — but you want to make a great deal? Solve the problem in North Korea. That’s worth having deficits. And that’s worth having not as good a trade deal as I would normally be able to make. OK, I’ll…