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 Call with Japanese Prime Minister Abe
"President Donald J. Trump spoke yesterday with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan about recent developments in Syria. The leaders agreed that Bashar al-Assad's use of chemical weapons against civilians, including women and children, was abhorrent and warranted a strong response from the international community. President Trump thanked Prime Minister Abe for his support for the United States missile strikes in Syria, and the two leaders pledged to show continued resolve in response to al-Assad's brutal actions. President Trump and Prime Minister Abe also agreed…
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President Trump's Call with South Korean Acting President Hwang
"President Donald J. Trump spoke yesterday with Acting President Hwang Kyo-Ahn of South Korea about recent developments in Syria. The leaders agreed that the use of chemical weapons, including Bashar al-Assad’s April 4 attack on civilians, cannot be tolerated and that the international community should unite in its efforts to prevent further use of such weapons. President Trump thanked Acting President Hwang for his support for the United States strikes. The leaders also reaffirmed the strength of the United States- Republic of Korea alliance and…
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President Trump's Meeting with Chinese President Xi
"President Trump and President Xi agreed to work in concert to expand areas of cooperation while managing differences based on mutual respect. [...] President Trump noted the challenges caused by Chinese government intervention in its economy and raised serious concerns about the impact of China’s industrial, agricultural, technology, and cyber policies on United States jobs and exports. The President underscored the need for China to take concrete steps to level the playing field for American workers, stressing repeatedly the need for reciprocal market access. [...]…
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Secretary Mattis and Singapore Minister for Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and Minister for Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen met April 5 in the Pentagon. During their meeting, they reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Singapore, as underscored by the 1990 memorandum of understanding, the 2005 strategic framework agreement, and the 2015 enhanced defense cooperation agreement (DCA). [...] Secretary Mattis and Dr. Ng affirmed the strong military-to-military cooperation between the Singapore armed forces and the U.S. armed forces. Over the years, personnel exchanges and…
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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 to discuss regional matters of concern, particularly North Korea’s launch of a ballistic missile yesterday. The President emphasized that the United States stands with its allies Japan and South Korea in the face of the serious threat that North Korea continues to pose. The President also made clear that the United States will continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend itself and its allies with the full range of its…
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President Trump's Letter to Vietnamese President Quang
"U.S. President Donald Trump has written to Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang to promote more cooperation between the two countries, the government website cited Quang as saying. Vietnam and the United States had advanced ties to a new level under the Obama administration amid a dispute with China over East Vietnam Sea issues, while Trump has also expressed his hope for a stronger relationship. Trump sent a letter to Quang 'affirming his wishes to promote cooperation on economics, trade, regional and international issues', the Vietnamese…
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President Trump's Call with Indian Prime Minister Modi
"President Donald J. Trump spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to congratulate him on the outcome of India’s recent state-level elections. President Trump expressed support for the Prime Minister’s economic reform agenda and emphasized his great respect for the people of India. President Trump also said he looks forward to hosting Prime Minister Modi in Washington later this year."