The Trump Administration & US - Indo-Pacific Relations

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.

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United States-Japan-Republic of Korea Defense Ministerial Meeting Joint Press Statement

"U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera, and Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo convened the 9th Trilateral Defense Ministerial Meeting in Clark, Philippines on October 23 on the margins of the 2017 Association of Southeast Asian Nations Defense Ministerial Meeting Plus. During the meeting, they held substantive discussions on North Korea, the regional security situation, and deepening security cooperation. [...] The Ministers called on North Korea to abandon its unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs in a…

Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Korean Minister of National Defense Song

"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met with Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo in Clark, Philippines on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministerial Meeting Plus to discuss regional and global security issues, including the threat posed by North Korea. Secretary Mattis and Minister Song reaffirmed the U.S.-ROK alliance is the linchpin of peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. They agreed to continue discussions in Seoul at the 49th U.S.-ROK Security Consultative Committee, scheduled for October 28, 2017."

USTR Lighthizer Statement on the Conclusion of the Second Special Session of the U.S.-Korea FTA Joint Committee

"U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer today released the following statement on the conclusion of the second special session of the U.S.-Korea (KORUS) Free Trade Agreement. Ambassador Lighthizer and Korean Trade Minister Hyun-chong Kim co-chaired the meeting today at the offices of the U.S. Trade Representative in Washington, DC.'I initiated Joint Committee discussions at the direction of the President to improve outcomes under this agreement for all Americans. I now look forward to intensified engagement with Korea in an expeditious manner to resolve outstanding implementation issues…

President Trump's Meeting with Korean President Moon

"President Donald J. Trump met in New York with President Moon Jae-in of South Korea to discuss the serious and escalating threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. The two presidents condemned in the strongest terms North Korea’s continued provocations, including its sixth nuclear test on September 3 and is two recent launches of ballistic missiles over Japan. The leaders stressed the importance of faithful and thorough implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 2371 and 2375. The two leaders also agreed that maximum…

Secretary Mattis' Call with Korean Minister of Defense Song

"On September 5, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo to discuss North Korea's test of a nuclear device on September 2. Secretary Mattis assured Minister Song that the United States remains ironclad in its commitment to the defense of the ROK. He further emphasized that any threat to the United States, its territories, or its allies will be met with a massive, effective, and overwhelming military response. Secretary Mattis and Minister Song discussed…

President Trump's Call with Korean President Moon

President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Moon Jae-in of South Korea to discuss the allied response to North Korea’s claimed September 3 test of a hydrogen bomb. Both leaders underscored the grave threat that North Korea’s latest provocation poses to the entire world. The two leaders agreed to maximize pressure on North Korea using all means at their disposal. They also pledged to strengthen joint military capabilities. President Trump gave his in-principle approval to South Korea’s initiative to lift restrictions on their missile…

Secretary Mattis Statement at the White House

"We made clear that we have the ability to defend ourselves and our allies – South Korea and Japan – from any attack. And our commitments among the allies are ironclad. Any threat to the United States, or its territories – including Guam – or our allies will be met with a massive military response – a response both effective and overwhelming. Kim Jong Un should take heed the United Nations Security Council’s unified voice – all members unanimously agreed on the threat North Korea…

President Donald Trump's Call with Korean President Moon

"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Moon Jae-in of South Korea to discuss our coordinated response to North Korea’s continued destabilizing and escalatory behavior. They discussed the close and continuing cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Japan to address this issue, following up on the recent meetings between the national security advisors of each country. President Trump and President Moon pledged to continue to apply strong diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea and to make all necessary preparations to deter…