The Trump Administration & US - Indo-Pacific Relations

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.

Methodology

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Prepared Remarks for Vice President Pence at the East Asia Summit Plenary Session

  • "It’s an honor to be here with so many leaders from across the Indo-Pacific at the 13th East Asia Summit. Prime Minister Lee, thank you once again for hosting this meeting in the beautiful and inspiring nation of Singapore.
  • Last year, President Donald Trump attended this summit to lay out the United States’ vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. I’m here today to discuss the concrete steps we are taking to protect our nation, defend our allies and partners, and uphold the principles and that…

Vice President Pence’s Meeting with President Joko Widodo of Indonesia

"The Vice President met today with President Joko Widodo of Indonesia to reaffirm the United States-Indonesia Strategic Partnership. The Vice President conveyed condolences for the victims and families of those affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Sulawesi, Indonesia; the United States contributed almost $12 million in disaster assistance for relief efforts. The Vice President congratulated Indonesia on its selection to the United Nations Security Council in 2019. The two heads of delegation agreed to strengthen cooperation across security and economic issues, including maintaining…

Remarks by Vice President Pence and Union Minister of Foreign Affairs and State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma Before Bilateral Meeting

"The United States desires a prosperous, peaceful, successful civil society in Burma with a free and independent press. And I look forward to hearing from you about the progress of democratic reforms in Burma and how the United States might continue to support your leadership and the efforts on behalf of the people of your country.

I’m also very anxious to hear about the progress that’s being made regarding the Rohingya. This is a tragedy that has touched the hearts of millions of Americans. The…

Remarks by Vice President Pence at the 6th U.S.-ASEAN Summit

"Your Majesty, your excellencies, it is my honor to join you all here at the 6th Summit between the United States of America and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Last year, President Trump attended this summit to share our nation’s vision of a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” And I am here on the President’s behalf to discuss our progress in making this vision a reality.

I spoke just a few moments ago with the President and he asked me to convey his regards and…

Vice President Pence and Prime Minister Abe of Japan's Remarks in Joint Press Statements

"Thank you, Prime Minister Abe, for those kind words and for the warm hospitality that you’ve shown to Karen and me. This is our third visit to Japan since I became Vice President. And it is my great honor to be with you today to reflect the remarkable bond that exists between our two nations.

And I’m here today on behalf of a friend of yours and a great champion of the U.S.-Japan alliance, President Donald Trump. I know the President is very much looking…

Vice President Pence’s Meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc of Vietnam

"Vice President Pence met with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc of Vietnam to reaffirm the United States-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership. Noting the 25th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations in 2020, they agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation across economic and security realms, including by addressing barriers to trade and by enhancing maritime security cooperation in the South China Sea. The Vice President thanked Vietnam for its cooperation on recovery operations of missing U.S. personnel and for supporting the pressure campaign on North Korea. They agreed to work…

Vice President Pence and Prime Minister Abe of Japan's Remarks Before Bilateral Meeting

"Well, thank you, Prime Minister Abe. It is a great honor for me to be here on my third visit to Japan. And I bring greetings and the warmest regards from your friend, President Donald Trump.

The Japan-U.S. alliance is historically the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. And when the President directed me to represent him at the ASEAN and APEC conference, we knew that coming to Japan first was the right step. And I’m grateful for your hospitality and time.

The…

Vice President Pence's Op-Ed in The Washington Post on US-Indo-Pacific Relations

We seek an Indo-Pacific — from the United States to India, from Japan to Australia, and everywhere in between — where sovereignty is respected, where commerce flows unhindered and where independent nations are masters of their own destinies. This region, which includes more than half of Earth’s surface and population, has experienced great progress when these principles have been respected. While some nations now seek to undermine this foundation, the United States is taking decisive action to protect our interests and promote the Indo-Pacific’s shared…

Secretary Pompeo's Call With Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan

"Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke by phone today with Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. The two discussed the upcoming U.S.-ASEAN and East Asia Summits in Singapore in November. Both sides looked forward to Vice President Pence’s travel to the region. They also discussed ASEAN’s central role in the Indo-Pacific Strategy and opportunities for further enhancing bilateral and regional cooperation."

Secretary Pompeo's Debriefing on Trip to ASEAN

"First, from the trip, I think we accomplished the objectives we set out: a chance to meet a number of foreign ministers I’ve not met before; we got a chance to share with them three or four things, primarily the United States commitment to the region, something I spoke about a week ago now on Monday; to lay out for them a little more detail how it is the case we intend to ensure that the Indo-Pacific region is free and open. And I think…

Australia-Japan-United States Trilateral Strategic Dialogue Joint Ministerial Statement

"The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, Julie Bishop, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Taro Kono, and the Secretary of State for the United States, Michael R. Pompeo, met in Singapore on August 4, 2018 for the eighth ministerial meeting of the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue (TSD). The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the trilateral strategic partnership and of deepening coordination between Australia, Japan and the United States. They underscored their commitment to working together to maintain and promote a free, open, prosperous and…

Secretary Pompeo's Interview With Kania Sutisnawinata of Metro TV

"It’s wonderful and important for the United States, an incredibly strategic relationship – two of the world’s largest democracies, now 70 years of diplomatic relations. I think we do wonderful things with our support of Indonesia, and right back Indonesia does great things that are important for the American people too. It’s a strong relationship. The leadership here works closely with our team, and we are doing great things together. [...] Indonesia has long been a great trading partner. President Trump wants to trade with…