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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USTR Lighthizer Announces Results of Special 301 Out-of-Cycle Review of Thailand
“A key objective of the Trump Administration’s trade policy is ensuring that U.S. owners of intellectual property (IP) have a full and fair opportunity to use and profit from their IP around the globe. The key to promoting innovation is protecting intellectual property. We welcome the corrective actions that Thailand has taken and look forward to continuing to work with Thailand to resolve our remaining IP concerns.”
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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 for the second time since North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile on November 28. The two leaders discussed next steps to respond to this most recent provocation by North Korea, including how to bring maximum pressure to bear on the regime. The presidents reiterated their strong commitment to enhancing the alliance’s deterrence and defense capabilities. Both leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to compelling North Korea to return to the…
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President Trump's Call with Chinese President Xi
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China to discuss North Korea’s latest missile launch. President Trump underscored the determination of the United States to defend ourselves and our allies from the growing threat posed by the North Korean regime. President Trump emphasized the need for China to use all available levers to convince North Korea to end its provocations and return to the path of denuclearization."
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Remarks by the Vice President to the Hudson Institute's Herman Kahn Award Dinner
"And the Kim regime in North Korea would do well not to test the resolve of this President or the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the United States of America. As President Trump said today, we will take care of the situation. All options are on the table, and we will continue to marshal the full resources of the United States to bring economic and diplomatic pressure to bear until North Korea abandons its nuclear and ballistic missile programs once and for all."
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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 discuss the alliance’s response to North Korea’s test of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Both leaders underscored the grave threat that North Korea’s latest provocation poses not only to the United States and the Republic of Korea, but to the entire world. President Trump and President Moon reaffirmed their strong condemnation of North Korea’s reckless campaign to advance its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, noting that these weapons only serve…
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U.S. Department of Commerce Self-Initiates Historic Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations on Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet From China
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the self-initiation of antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations of imports of common alloy aluminum sheet (common alloy sheet) from the People’s Republic of China (China). These historic investigations, the first in over a quarter century, were self-initiated pursuant to the authority granted to the Secretary under the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended."
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Remarks by President Trump in Meeting with Congressional Leadership - China
"Corporate will be able to compete now against the world. If you look at China, if you look at so many other countries, if you look at many of the countries, China is at 15 percent. They're lower than us. We're getting it down to a level that is either going to be lower or right in the ballpark so we can compete much better with our companies -- our great, great companies. And that means jobs and it means lots of other things."
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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Final Countervailing Duty Determination on Tool Chests and Cabinets from China
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative final determination in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigation of imports of tool chests and cabinets from the People’s Republic of China (China). [...] The Commerce Department determined that China is providing unfair subsidies to its producers of tool chests and cabinets at rates from 14.03 to 95.96 percent."
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Remarks by the Vice President at ASEAN
"Today on President Trump’s behalf, I’d like to congratulate ASEAN on its 50th anniversary. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the United States’ diplomatic relationship with ASEAN. Our relationship without a doubt has benefitted both ASEAN and America — diplomatically, economically, and from the standpoint of national security. The relationship between the United States and ASEAN is a strategic partnership. And under President Trump’s leadership, the United States is already taking steps to strengthen our partnership with ASEAN and deepen our friendship. I…
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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations on Cold-Drawn Mechanical Tubing from Germany, China, Switzerland, India, Italy and Korea
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of imports of cold-drawn mechanical tubing from Germany, China, Switzerland, India, Italy, and Korea. [...] The Commerce Department preliminarily determined that exporters from Germany, China, Switzerland, India, Italy, and Korea have sold cold-drawn mechanical tubing in the United States at 5.10 percent to 209.06 less than fair value. The Department also preliminarily determined that critical circumstances exist for certain exporters/producers of cold-drawn mechanical tubing from China, Italy…
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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations on Cold-Drawn Mechanical Tubing from Germany, China, Switzerland, India, Italy and Korea
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of imports of cold-drawn mechanical tubing from Germany, China, Switzerland, India, Italy and Korea. [...]The Commerce Department preliminarily determined that exporters from Germany, China, Switzerland, India, Italy and Korea have sold cold-drawn mechanical tubing in the United States at 5.10 percent to 209.06 less than fair value. The Department also preliminarily determined that critical circumstances exist for certain exporters/producers of cold-drawn mechanical tubing from China, Italy and…