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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Designations of National People’s Congress Officials Undermining the Autonomy of Hong Kong
"Beijing’s unrelenting assault against Hong Kong’s democratic processes has gutted its Legislative Council, rendering the body a rubber stamp devoid of meaningful opposition. One aspect of that assault has been the actions of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC), which have effectively neutered the ability of the people of Hong Kong to choose their elected representatives in keeping with the Joint Declaration and Basic Law. These actions demonstrate once again Beijing’s complete disregard for its international commitments under the Sino-British Joint Declaration, a U.N.-registered…
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Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Guy Benson of The Guy Benson Show - China
"QUESTION: Doing well. Hanging in there as best we can. I think a lot of people feel like they’re in the same boat here. It’s been a very tough year, and I think people are optimistic about a vaccine, but it’s a difficult time right now. So let’s talk about foreign policy and the statement that you put out. I was just about to read from part of it on religious freedom, not here at home but violators of religious liberty abroad. Talk about what…
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The Kingdom of Thailand’s National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States and the American people, I extend best wishes to the government and people of Thailand as you celebrate your National Day.
The United States is proud of our partnership and alliance with Thailand and our shared values of freedom, peace, and prosperity. After more than 200 years of diplomatic ties, we remain committed to the strong security, economic, and people-to-people ties that exist between our great countries. This year’s launch of the Mekong-U.S. Partnership reaffirmed the…
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Termination of PRC-Funded Propaganda Programs
"Today, the Department of State terminated five programs, disguised as “cultural exchanges,” with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). These programs include the Policymakers Educational China Trip Program, the U.S.-China Friendship Program, the U.S.-China Leadership Exchange Program, and the U.S.-China Transpacific Exchange Program and the Hong Kong Educational and Cultural Program. Such programs, conducted under Section 108A of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (MECEA), allow U.S. government employees to travel using foreign government funds.
While other programs funded under the auspices of the…
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U.S. Imposes Sanctions on People’s Republic of China Officials Engaged in Coercive Influence Activities
"The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has long sought to spread Marxist-Leninist ideology and exert its influence all over the world. The CCP’s United Front Work Department funds and supports overseas organizations to spread propaganda and coerces and bullies those who would oppose Beijing’s policies. The United Front frequently intimidates members of academia, businesses, civil society groups, and Chinese diaspora communities, including members of ethnic and religious minority communities who speak out against horrific human rights abuses taking place in Xinjiang, Tibet, and elsewhere in China…
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Secretary Michael R. Pompeo at the IISS Manama Dialogue - China
"[SECRETARY POMPEO:] This is the same fact, the same truth, of our policy towards the Chinese Communist Party. And while I won’t go into detail here, I hope to in – we have time together to talk. But for decades, the world had hoped that economic integration would lead to political liberalization – the China fantasy.
It didn’t happen. The Chinese Communist Party never wanted to behave like a normal regime, because at its core it’s not one. Like Iran, the party is a revolutionary…
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On the Political Persecution of Hong Kong Democracy Advocates
"The United States is appalled by the Hong Kong government’s political persecution of Hong Kong’s courageous pro-democracy advocates. The use of courts to silence peaceful dissent is a hallmark of authoritarian regimes and underscores once again that the Chinese Communist Party’s greatest fear is the free speech and free thinking of its own people.
Hong Kong historically benefitted from a free and open system that celebrated the peaceful advocacy of citizens like Joshua Wong, Agnes Chow, Ivan Lam, and Jimmy Lai. Hong Kong’s people should…
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Lao People’s Democratic Republic National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States and the American people, I extend best wishes on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
This is a notable year as our two nations also celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations, and as we prepare to commemorate the 5th anniversary of our Comprehensive Partnership. Our relationship is built on mutual respect, ASEAN centrality, and a shared commitment to Lao sovereignty. Our bilateral cooperation is built on a…
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New Sanctions Under the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act (INKSNA)
"On Wednesday, November 25, 2020, the United States sanctioned four entities located in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia for supporting Iran’s missile program, under the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act (INKSNA). We imposed sanctions against Chengdu Best New Materials Co., Ltd. and Zibo Elim Trade Co., Ltd. in the PRC and against Nilco Group, which is also known as Nil Fam Khazar Company and Santers Holding, and Joint Stock Company Elecon in Russia for transferring sensitive technology and items to…
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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Countervailing Duty Determination for Twist Ties From China
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced an affirmative preliminary determination in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigation of twist ties from China. The Commerce Department preliminarily determined that exporters/producers from China received countervailable subsidies at a rate of 122.5 percent. Among the subsidies preliminarily countervailed is China’s undervalued currency – making this the first time Commerce has ever countervailed the Renminbi. This is the second time that Commerce has countervailed a foreign currency with a unitary exchange rate.
“Today’s preliminary determination reaffirms the…
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On the Presidential Elections in the Republic of Palau
"The United States congratulates Surangel Whipps Jr. on his election as the tenth President of the Republic of Palau. We also congratulate the people of the Republic of Palau on their admirable observance of the democratic process.
The United States and Palau have a special partnership, and we look forward to working with Palau’s newly elected government to deepen our relationship, address shared challenges, increase our defense cooperation, and to continue to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific."
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Joint Statement on Hong Kong
"We, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and the United States Secretary of State, reiterate our serious concern regarding China’s imposition of new rules to disqualify elected legislators in Hong Kong. Following the imposition of the National Security Law and postponement of September’s Legislative Council elections, this decision further undermines Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy and rights and freedoms.
China’s action is a clear breach of its international obligations under the legally binding, UN-registered Sino-British Joint Declaration. It…
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Joint Statement on Human Capital Development at the 8th ASEAN-U.S. Summit
"We, the Heads of State/Government of Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States of America, met via videoconference, on 14 November 2020, under Viet Nam’s 2020 ASEAN Chairmanship, on the occasion of the 8th ASEAN-U.S. Summit;
We underscored our shared commitment to strengthening the ASEAN-U.S. Strategic Partnership. We reiterated the importance of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), which is based on the principles of openness, transparency, inclusivity and a rules-based framework, among others. We also noted…
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Presidential Message on Diwali
"The First Lady and I send our warmest wishes to all those celebrating Diwali this week.
During this Festival of Lights, friends, neighbors, and loved ones join in fellowship to commemorate the spiritual triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. As diyas are lit throughout homes, workplaces, communities, and places of worship, their warmth reminds us of the hope and devotion that faith and tradition bring into our lives.
The United States is a deeply faithful nation, and I am…
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Secretary Pompeo With Hugh Hewitt of The Hugh Hewitt Show - Indo-Pacific
"QUESTION: Now, Mr. Secretary, I want to turn to the Chinese Communist Party and to the conservative realism about it that you and President Trump have articulated and defended. Do we expect, short term, more sanctions in December and January on entities like Huawei?
SECRETARY POMPEO: So I don’t want to get out in front of what decisions the President will make, but make no mistake about the work that we’re doing to counter the threat from the Chinese Communist Party continues. So there’s still…
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Disqualification of Pan-Democratic Lawmakers in Hong Kong
"Beijing’s onslaught against Hong Kong’s freedoms and liberties continues. The United States strongly condemns the “patriotism” resolution passed by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee on November 11, which disqualified four members of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council for exercising their mandates as lawmakers. This resolution tramples on the rights of the people of Hong Kong to choose their elected representatives as guaranteed by the Basic Law and further exposes Beijing’s blatant disregard for its international commitments under the Sino-British Joint Declaration, a U.N.-registered treaty. Beijing…
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks at the Ronald Reagan Institute - China
"Those pillars of strength and candor are also the foundation for America’s policy towards the world’s number-one threat to freedom today: the Chinese Communist Party.
I’ve spoken about this at great length, and I have borrowed from President Reagan with great frequency in how we think about this challenge. For 40 years-plus, we steered a course correction. We changed. Been handled with kid gloves and we had ignored all the contrary evidence that showed that the regime in Beijing really is troublesome. We showed what…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Call with [New Zealand] Foreign Minister [Nanaia] Mahuta
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. Secretary Pompeo congratulated Foreign Minister Mahuta on her appointment as foreign minister, and they discussed issues important to the bilateral relationship, including development assistance and COVID-19 responses in the Pacific islands. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister agreed to continue cooperating to promote our shared democratic ideals in the Indo-Pacific and international organizations[.]"
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Secretary Pompeo With Tony Perkins of Washington Watch with Tony Perkins - China
"QUESTION: I’m doing well, sir. Thanks so much for joining us. I made reference to your five-nation Asian tour last month, and then today you made the comment that the U.S. is not finished when it comes to getting tough on China. What did you mean?
SECRETARY POMPEO: So there’s still a great deal of work to be done, and this work will continue in this year and next. It’ll be ongoing. The challenge presented by the Chinese Communist Party, whether it’s the terrible human…
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Secretary Pompeo With Mark Belling of the Mark Belling Show - China
"QUESTION: And the final question: The China reset. We had made the deal with the devil because we had significant business relationships with China. We allowed them to never do anything for us that we wanted on the international stage and screw us with regard to trade, intellectual property, and so on because we liked the business relationship here. The President made the decision to take on China and China didn’t like it, and who knows what the long-term ramifications have been and who knows…
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Designations of Four PRC and Hong Kong Officials Threatening the Peace, Security, and Autonomy of Hong Kong
"The People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong-based officials continue to dismantle the promised autonomy and freedoms of Hong Kong through politically motivated arrests. Today, the U.S. Department of State is designating four PRC and Hong Kong officials in connection with implementing the PRC-imposed National Security Law and threatening the peace, security, and autonomy of Hong Kong, pursuant to Executive Order 13936.
The Department of State is designating Li Jiangzhou, Edwina Lau, and Steve Li Kwai-Wah as having been leaders or officials of entities…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Kang
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha in Washington, D.C., and reaffirmed the enduring strength and importance of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, the linchpin to peace and security for the Indo-Pacific region. During the meeting, Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Kang discussed bilateral and regional priorities, including coordination on ensuring peace on the Korean Peninsula and expanding cooperation through the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy and the ROK New Southern Policy. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister reinforced our…
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Burma’s Parliamentary Elections
"The United States recognizes that Burma’s parliamentary elections, the second competitive national election since the end of military rule, mark an important step in the country’s democratic transition. Millions of people, including young people voting for the first time, exercised their right to elect their representatives. We appreciate the efforts of all who worked to make these elections possible, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nevertheless, we are concerned by the large number of unelected seats constitutionally reserved for the…
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2020 New Zealand General Election
"The United States congratulates New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the Labour Party on their victory in the October 17 national parliamentary elections and commends the people of New Zealand for demonstrating the power of participatory democracy.
New Zealand is one of our closest friends. We congratulate new Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta and look forward to working with her and the rest of New Zealand’s government to further deepen our enduring partnership that is based on our shared history and democratic values."
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Cambodia National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States and the American people, I congratulate the people of Cambodia as you mark the 67th anniversary of your independence.
We are honored to confront shared challenges as a partner with Cambodia in support of the health, safety, and prosperity of both our nations. We look forward to further advancing U.S.-Cambodian ties to help build a more prosperous, democratic, and independent Cambodia.
Best wishes to all Cambodians for peace, prosperity, and good health in the year ahead."
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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Countervailing Duty Determination for Passenger Vehicles and Light Truck Tires From Vietnam
"U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced an affirmative preliminary determination in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigation of passenger vehicle and light truck (passenger tires) tires from Vietnam. The Commerce Department preliminarily determined that exporters and producers from Vietnam received counter available subsidies with rates ranging from 6.23 percent to 10.08 percent. Among the subsidies preliminarily countervailed is Vietnam’s undervalued currency – making this the first time that Commerce has ever made an affirmative CVD determination regarding a foreign currency with a unitary exchange rate…
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Tonga National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the Kingdom of Tonga as you celebrate your 145th National Day on November 4.
The United States and Tonga have an enduring friendship that has weathered many challenges, thanks to our shared history in the Pacific and our commitment to strengthening freedoms, generating prosperity, and improving the lives of our citizens. As we overcome the challenges of 2020, we find ourselves working together in innovative ways, and we continue to build strong…
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National Day of the Federated States of Micronesia
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I would like to congratulate the people of the Federated States of Micronesia in recognition of its 34th anniversary of independence on November 3.
Our two countries enjoy a warm friendship, strengthened by our cooperation in advancing our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific with other democracies in the region. Our people continue to enjoy close ties, and we recognize the service and sacrifice of many citizens of the Federated States of…
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Arrest of Eight Pan-Democratic Politicians in Hong Kong
"The United States strongly condemns the arrests of eight pan-democratic politicians in Hong Kong, including five sitting members of the Legislative Council. The arrest of these lawmakers six months after the incident in question is a clear abuse of law enforcement for political purposes. The Hong Kong government’s harassment and intimidation of pro-democracy representatives and attempts to stifle dissent are stark examples of its ongoing complicity with the authoritarian Chinese Communist Party, which seeks to dismantle the promised autonomy of Hong Kong and eviscerate respect…
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Text of a Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate Concerning Duty Free Treatment of Products from Thailand
"Dear Madam Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)
Pursuant to section 502(d)(3) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, (the “1974 Act”) (19 U.S.C. 2462(d)(3)), I am hereby advising you of my intent to suspend the duty-free treatment accorded under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to certain eligible articles that are the product of Thailand, effective on December 30, 2020.
After considering the criteria set forth in sections 501 and 502(c) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2461 and 2462(c)), in particular section 502(c)(4) (1…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Phuc
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi, Vietnam. Secretary Pompeo expressed condolences over the loss of life due to significant flooding as a result of Tropical Storm Linfa and Typhoon Molave and was pleased to announce an additional $2 million in USAID assistance to support response efforts, bringing total funding from the U.S. Government to more than $2.1 million to date. The Secretary congratulated the Prime Minister on Vietnam’s superb chairmanship of ASEAN during a…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Vietnamese Minister for Public Security Lam
"Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo met today with Vietnamese Minister for Public Security To Lam in Hanoi, Vietnam. Secretary Pompeo and Minister Lam emphasized the importance of growing bilateral security cooperation in the Mekong region and the benefits that a strengthened U.S. – Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership can bring to both of our nations."
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Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Minh READOUT
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh today in Hanoi, Vietnam. Secretary Pompeo and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Minh reaffirmed our expanding Comprehensive Partnership that spans political, security, economic and people-to-people ties as we celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations this year. The Secretary applauded Vietnam’s successful chairmanship of ASEAN during 2020. Secretary Pompeo underscored support for the sovereignty of Southeast Asian nations, international law, and a free and open Indo Pacific."
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Unalienable Rights and Traditions of Tolerance
"SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you for that kind introduction. Selamat siang to you all.
Mr. General Secretary, it is wonderful to be here. I have been looking forward to this since the day that we found a date that worked and were able to accept the invitation. It was most gracious of you to invite me here and I am ecstatic to be part of this event today.
I want to make sure and thank all the people who made this happen. I want to thank…
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Secretary Pompeo And Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi
"SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you very much. Madam Minister, thank you. Hello, everyone. It’s great to see you again, and it’s wonderful to be back here in Indonesia. I visited here early in my tenure as Secretary of State, but once was certainly not enough. Good to be back. It was important for me to return to keep strengthening this foundational, pivotal relationship in Southeast Asia.
And Madam Minister, I want to say to you how much I’ve appreciated your engagement on the Afghanistan peace process…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today in Jakarta, Indonesia, with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. They discussed ways the United States and Indonesia can work together to promote a prosperous, secure, and democratic Indo-Pacific region, as well as strategies for building stronger economic ties between our two countries. Secretary Pompeo and President Joko Widodo also reviewed recent security developments across the Indo-Pacific and discussed ways to enhance cooperation on maritime security, supply chains, and post-pandemic economic recovery."
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Arrest and Detention of Student Democracy Activists in Hong Kong Under the National Security Law
"The United States strongly condemns the arrest and detention of three student democracy activists and calls on Hong Kong authorities to release those that remain detained immediately. The Beijing-controlled Hong Kong government continues to stifle dissent, repress public opinion, and use law enforcement for political purposes.
The People’s Republic of China has violated its international obligations under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, while the Chinese Communist Party and its Hong Kong proxies crush the promised autonomy of Hong Kong, and eviscerate Hong Kong’s respect for…
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Secretary Pompeo and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at a Press Availability
"SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Minister. Hello, everyone. It’s wonderful to be in here, Colombo. It’s most special because indeed, as you said, we’re one day short of 72 years of our diplomatic relations between our two countries, a remarkable anniversary for each of us.
The foreign minister and I had a great conversation. I had a chance to congratulate him on his reappointment – well done – and had a very positive conversation with President Rajapaksa a bit earlier this morning as…
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Secretary Pompeo With Indeewari Amuwatte of Derana TV
"QUESTION: Thank you for your time here with us in Colombo, Secretary Pompeo. Your visit here is termed crucial. It’s seen as a rare one and peculiar given the timing of the visit. What’s so important that you had to communicate at this juncture?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Well, thanks for giving me a chance to be with you. I appreciate it. It’s been wonderful to be here in Colombo.
Look, the – I’m in this region a lot. I had planned to come here earlier. The…
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Secretary Pompeo and Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid at a Press Availability
"SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you, Mr. Foreign Minister. Thank you. Hello, everyone. Perhaps I’ll get fortunate and there’ll be a mechanical problem with my airplane, and I’ll get to see a sunset and a sunrise. I also want to thank President Solih for inviting me to visit Male. This is indeed a beautiful – it’s a beautiful city and a beautiful country, and I’m happy to have the opportunity to be here.
We had an incredibly productive conversation, positive meetings. It’s safe to say that our…
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Designation of the National Association for China’s Peaceful Unification (NACPU) as a Foreign Mission of the PRC
"The United Front Work Department (UFWD) is the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) organ tasked with co-opting and neutralizing threats to the party’s rule and spreading its influence and propaganda overseas. The CCP regards this party apparatus as a “magic weapon” to advance Beijing’s policies.
Today, the Department of State designated a UFWD-controlled organization – the National Association for China’s Peaceful Unification (NACPU) – as a foreign mission of the PRC under the U.S. Foreign Missions Act. The goal of this action is to shine a…
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Secretary Pompeo With Prasad Dodangodage of Rupavahini TV
"QUESTION: Secretary Pompeo, now, your visit in Sri Lanka made headlines in many ways. First, it’s taking place just before the U.S. presidential elections. Then there was a statement made by a State Department official on Sri Lanka. So there are many speculated definitions for this visit. So what’s your definition for this visit?
SECRETARY POMPEO: So I’ve traveled to this region many times. It’s an important region for the United States. We value democratic friendships all across the world. I had hoped to get…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Secretary Pompeo reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to a strong, sovereign Sri Lanka and to advancing our shared interests in a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Secretary Pompeo and President Rajapaksa discussed post-pandemic economic recovery and development and noted the benefits of long-term U.S. private sector trade and investment, which offers sustainable, transparent, and high-quality partnership. The Secretary also stressed the importance of strengthening democratic governance, human…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Maldivian President Solih
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in Malé, Maldives. Secretary Pompeo congratulated President Solih and the people of Maldives for their tremendous progress in strengthening democratic institutions and fostering civil society in recent years. Both welcomed the increasingly warm and close relationship between the United States and Maldives since our countries established diplomatic ties 54 years ago and hailed the decision to open a U.S. Embassy in Maldives as a milestone in our bilateral relationship. Secretary Pompeo…
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On U.S. Intent to Open an Embassy in Maldives
"I am pleased to announce that the United States intends to open an Embassy in Maldives with a resident U.S. Ambassador, reflecting the continued growth of the U.S.-Maldives relationship and underscoring the United States’ unshakeable commitment to Maldives and the Indo-Pacific region. In the decades since the United States and Maldives first established diplomatic ties in 1966, our countries have expanded cooperation on issues ranging from strengthening maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, to incentivizing the private sector, and countering terrorism. With support from the United…
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Secretary Pompeo With Shekhar Gupta of The Print
"QUESTION: We’ve kept you busy, Secretary, in Delhi – what, 18 hours – on 19 hours, and I know that you’ve heard the word “China” more times than you can count. Now, we know that China is knocking at our doorsteps and that’s a clear and present issue. But what is there to this relationship that goes beyond the China problem?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Yeah. So, many things. This was a good relationship long before the Chinese Communist Party started causing as much trouble as they’re…