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 Mattis' Meeting with Vietnamese Minister of National Defense Lich
"The Secretary and the Minister of Defense agreed to deepen defense cooperation, including by expanding maritime cooperation. The Ministers also directed their staffs to work toward arranging a first carrier visit to Vietnam once technical conditions permit. The Secretary highlighted the robust level of peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and Coast Guard cooperation, including the recent transfer of a former United States Coast Guard cutter to improve Vietnam’s maritime law enforcement capabilities. The two leaders agreed that a strong U.S.-Vietnam defense relationship promotes regional and global security…
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President Trump's Meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee
"President Donald J. Trump met with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore today at the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany. The two leaders praised the United States-Singapore economic relationship, which serves as an important hub for United States exports to the fast-growing Southeast Asia region. The President and Prime Minister Lee discussed regional security issues and their shared resolve to press North Korea to abandon its nuclear program and cease its provocations. They also affirmed close cooperation in preventing the rise of terrorism and…
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President Trump's Meeting with Indonesian President Widodo
"President Donald J. Trump met with President Joko Widodo today at the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany. The two leaders emphasized their commitment to strengthening the United States-Indonesia strategic partnership, which is grounded in the interests and values shared by two of the world’s largest democracies. They discussed ways to expand fair and reciprocal trade between their countries, as well as ways to strengthen defense cooperation. The two Presidents underscored their resolve to defeat terrorist networks in Southeast Asia and around the world, and emphasized…
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Secretary Mattis' Call with Malaysian Minister of Defense Hishammuddin
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke by telephone today with Malaysian Minister of Defense Hishammuddin Tun Hussein to discuss security challenges and our close bilateral defense cooperation. Secretary Mattis and Minister Hishammuddin exchanged views on regional security challenges including terrorism and North Korea. They agreed on the need to increase regional counterterrorism cooperation in order to stem the threat posed by groups like ISIS. They discussed North Korea's test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile on July 4 and the need for regional cooperation…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Indonesian Coordinating Minister Luhut
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met June 7 with Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan at the Pentagon to discuss maritime security challenges and defense cooperation. The Secretary and Minister Luhut exchanged views on the regional maritime security environment in Southeast Asia, discussed cooperation on countering violent extremism from groups like ISIS, and addressed the threat posed by returning foreign fighters. Secretary Mattis relayed his appreciation for the broad range of U.S.-Indonesian defense cooperation and encouraged Indonesia's continuing contributions to regional maritime security…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Malaysian Minister of Defense Hishammudin Tun Hussein
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis had an introductory meeting today with Malaysian Minister of Defense Hishammuddin Tun Hussein on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore to discuss security challenges and our strong bilateral defense cooperation. They exchanged views on regional security challenges and emphasized the need for continued ASEAN unity to address shared security challenges facing Southeast Asia. They discussed the need to increase counterterrorism cooperation in order to stem the threat posed by groups like ISIS both in the region and globally…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with ASEAN Leaders at the Shangri-La Dialogue
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met today with ministers and heads of delegation from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore to discuss security challenges and opportunities for increased cooperation. They had a robust exchange of views on regional security issues, focusing on counterterrorism and maritime security cooperation and the threat posed by North Korea. Participants expressed appreciation for U.S.-ASEAN cooperation noting the 40th anniversary of U.S.-ASEAN relations. They highlighted the importance of ASEAN unity, welcomed…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Singaporean Minister of Defense Dr. Ng Eng Hen
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met June 3 with Singaporean Minister of Defense Ng Eng Hen on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a major annual forum for key leaders in the Asia-Pacific region, to discuss security challenges and opportunities. The secretary and the minister of defense affirmed the long-standing bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Singapore. The two leaders exchanged views on the regional security environment in Southeast Asia and discussed a range mutual security interests, including countering violent extremism…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Thai Deputy Defense Minister General Udomdej
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met June 3 with Thailand's Deputy Minister of Defense General Udomdej Sitabutr on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a major annual forum for key leaders in the Asia-Pacific region, to discuss security challenges and opportunities. The two officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the 184-year-old U.S.-Thai alliance, and exchanged views on regional and bilateral security issues. They reviewed the broad range of U.S.-Thai defense cooperation and Thailand's continuing contributions to regional security. The Secretary and General Udomdej…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Indonesian Minister of Defense Ryamizard
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met June 3 with Indonesian Minister of Defense Ryamizard Ryacudu on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore to discuss security challenges and defense cooperation. They exchanged views on the regional security environment and highlighted the need for continued ASEAN unity to address shared challenges facing Southeast Asia. The Secretary and Minister Ryamizard discussed cooperation on countering violent extremism from groups like ISIS and addressed the threat posed by returning foreign fighters. Secretary Mattis relayed his appreciation for the…
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Secretary Mattis Remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue - ASEAN
"And our combined interoperability with allied forces, enhanced through forced posture initiatives that we're taking, ensures we are prepared to cooperate during real-world crises. Deterrence of war, however, remains our ultimate goal. We are helping to train, advise and assist the Philippine force in their fight against violent extremist organizations in the south. And I think we all owe that support to the Philippine government. We also continue to support the modernization of the Philippine Armed Forces to address the country's security challenges. During this…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met June 2 with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a major annual forum for key leaders in the Asia-Pacific region, to discuss mutual security challenges including cooperation on maritime security. The secretary and the prime minister 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…