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
All Posts
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Secretary Pompeo’s Call with New Zealand Foreign Minister Peters
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters today. Secretary Pompeo thanked Foreign Minister Peters for New Zealand’s support for repatriating American Citizens. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Peters emphasized the importance of U.S.-New Zealand and international coordination to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and to address the public health risk caused by the outbreak. The two also discussed the importance of a strong international response to the outbreak in the Indo-Pacific region."
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New Zealand National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I send my best wishes as New Zealand commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on February 6.
The long-standing friendship between the United States and New Zealand continues to expand and deepen. Americans and New Zealanders have fought side-by-side to defend freedom and democracy in every major conflict since World War I and have cooperated broadly to bring peace, stability, and prosperity to both our people and the world.
The past year…
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On the Passing of Former New Zealand Prime Minister Mike Moore
"On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend my sincerest condolences on the passing of former New Zealand Prime Minister and World Trade Organization Director-General Mike Moore. Former Prime Minister Moore dedicated his life to serving his country at home and abroad, including as World Trade Organization Director-General and Ambassador to the United States. A stronger U.S.-New Zealand partnership is one of his many legacies. We send our deepest condolences to the people of New Zealand on his passing."
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Secretary Esper's Remarks at the CSIS Global Security Forum - China, North Korea, and Alliances in the Indo-Pacific
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Readout from Secretary Esper's Minister with New Zealand Minister of Defence Ron Mark
"Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper met today with New Zealand Minister of Defence Ron Mark at the Pentagon.
Secretary Esper and Minister Mark discussed bilateral defense relations and reviewed pressing regional and global security issues. The meeting reinforced the close relationship between New Zealand and the United States, one of our closest and most reliable partners.
Secretary Esper and Minister Mark committed to continued close cooperation and collaboration on a wide range of defense and security priorities."
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Media Availability by Secretary Esper En Route to Tokyo
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MARK T. ESPER: Yeah, so first things first.
First good few days, and -- in Australia and -- and New Zealand. I think I often just (inaudible) since I had a chance in each country to meet with my counterpart and fellow defense minister and I had a chance to meet with the foreign ministers, and I had a chance to even meet with -- or chat with the prime ministers of each country. So very good -- very good in that…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence in Fireside Chat with Mike Farris of the Alliance Defending Freedom - China and New Zealand
"MR. FARRIS: You recently spoke at the extraordinary event sponsored by Secretary Pompeo, the Ministerial on International Religious Freedom. And I know this has been an important issue for you for many years. Can you tell us what you think the state of the world is on religious freedom — not just for Christians, but for people of all faith?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, first, let me again say how grateful I am that President Trump has made religious liberty around the world a priority…
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Readout of Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper's Meeting with New Zealand Minister of Defense Ronald Mark
"Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper met with New Zealand's Minister for Defense Ronald Mark in Auckland today to discuss the U.S.-New Zealand defense relationship.
The two discussed shared collaboration on regional security issues, particularly in the Pacific Islands, and areas to strengthen U.S.-New Zealand defense cooperation.
Secretary Esper expressed appreciation for New Zealand's participation in the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, the D-ISIS Coalition, and participation in the multinational Enforcement Coordination Cell for United Nations Security Council Resolution on North Korea.
The leaders…
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Readout of Vice President Mike Pence’s Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters of New Zealand
"Vice President Pence met yesterday with Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters of New Zealand. Vice President Pence expressed his solidarity on behalf of the American people with the people of New Zealand and their leaders for their response to the terror attacks at the two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand in March. The Vice President and the Deputy Prime Minister also discussed our shared commitment to the Pacific Islands nations and our trade relationship."