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 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."
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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."
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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…
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President Trump's Interview with Reuters - South Korea
"On the THAAD system, it's about a billion dollars. I said, 'Why are we paying? Why are we paying a billion dollars? We're protecting. Why are we paying a billion dollars?' So I informed South Korea it would be appropriate if they paid. Nobody's going to do that. Why are we paying a billion dollars? It's a billion dollar system. It's phenomenal. It's the most incredible equipment you've ever seen - shoots missiles right out of the sky. And it protects them and I want…
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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’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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Secretary Tillerson's Remarks With Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se Before Their Meeting
"SECRETARY TILLERSON: Well, I am very honored to be here with my friend, Foreign Minister Yun. And I thank him and Prime Minister and Acting President Hwang and the people of the Republic of Korea for hosting me.
For more than 60 years the ironclad alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea has remained strong. And our commitment to this partnership will endure under the Trump Administration. Throughout this time of political change, I want to commend the South Korean people for…
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Secretary Tillerson's Remarks With Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn Before Their Meeting
"SECRETARY TILLERSON: Well, thank you, Mr. President, for allowing me to come see you today. I am here to express, again, and reaffirm the ironclad alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea, which does serve as the linchpin for security and stability in the Korean Peninsula.
I also want to stress the importance of our strong and historic people-to-people ties, our growing economic cooperation, and, as you mentioned, our strong alliance around security in response to the growing threat from North Korea…
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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 Korean Minister of National Defense Han Min-Koo
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke with Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Han Min-Koo today. Secretary Mattis said that the United States remains steadfast in its commitment to the defense of the ROK. He further emphasized that any attack on the United States or its allies will be defeated, and any use of nuclear weapons will be met with a response that is effective and overwhelming. Secretary Mattis and Minister Han discussed the current regional security environment, including North Korea's most recent…