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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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…
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Secretary Mattis' Joint Statement with Secretary of State Tillerson and Director of National Intelligence Coats
"Past efforts have failed to halt North Korea’s unlawful weapons programs and nuclear and ballistic missile tests. With each provocation, North Korea jeopardizes stability in Northeast Asia and poses a growing threat to our allies and the U.S. homeland. North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons is an urgent national security threat and top foreign policy priority. Upon assuming office, President Trump ordered a thorough review of U.S. policy pertaining to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). [...] We are engaging responsible members of the…
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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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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 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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Press Availability With Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida
"SECRETARY TILLERSON: Well, thank you very much, Minister Kishida, and good afternoon to all. It truly is a pleasure to be here in Japan, Tokyo, on my first trip into Asia, and as Secretary of State, I think it does underscore the importance of America’s relationship with Japan. And I’m pleased I’ve already had two important meetings and productive discussions with Foreign Minister Kishida – one in Bonn, the other in Washington – and I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Abe later.
These…
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President Trump's Calls with Japanese Prime Minister Abe and South Korean Acting President Hwang Kyo-Ahn
"President Donald J. Trump spoke separately today with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan and Acting President Hwang Kyo-Ahn of South Korea to discuss North Korea’s launch of ballistic missiles in clear violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions. President Trump emphasized the United States’ ironclad commitment to stand with Japan and South Korea in the face of the serious threat posed by North Korea. He emphasized that his Administration is taking steps to further enhance our ability to deter and defend against North Korea’s…
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Secretary Mattis' Call with Japanese Foreign Minister of Defense Inada
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke this evening by telephone with Japan Minister of Defense Tomomi Inada to discuss North Korea's missile launches earlier today (March 6, Korea time). Secretary Mattis and Minister Inada both agreed that these launches are an unacceptable and irresponsible act that undermines security and stability in the region. Secretary Mattis reaffirmed that the United States remains steadfast in its defense commitments to Japan including its extended deterrence commitment. Both Secretary Mattis and Minister Inada agreed to cooperate closely along with…
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President Trump's Interview with Reuters - Missile Defense Systems
[When asked about accelerating missile defense systems for Japan and South Korea] "There's talks of a lot more than that. We’ll see what happens. But it’s a very dangerous situation, and China can end it very quickly in my opinion. ... It’s one of many things that can be done. Missile defense is one of many things that can be done.”