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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On the Passing of Former Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Morauta
"On behalf of the Government of the United States, I want to convey my condolences and respect to former Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta’s family and the people of Papua New Guinea on his passing. Sir Mekere made invaluable contributions to the political and economic institutions of his country during his time in office. In this time of mourning, we extend our deepest sympathy and reassurances that the United States will long remember Sir Mekere as a leading statesman and dedicated public servant."
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On the Silencing and Prosecution of PRC Citizen Journalist Zhang Zhan
"The United States strongly condemns the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) sham prosecution and conviction of citizen journalist Zhang Zhan on December 28. We call on the PRC government to release her immediately and unconditionally. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has shown once again it will do whatever it takes to silence those who question the Party’s official line, even regarding crucial public health information.
Lying is a feature, not a bug of authoritarian regimes. The CCP restricted and manipulated information about the COVID-19 outbreak…
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Protecting U.S. Investors from Financing Communist Chinese Military Companies
"President Trump took decisive action last month to protect American investors and pension holders from funding Communist Chinese military companies (CCMCs) through Executive Order (13959) Addressing the Threat from Securities Investments that Finance Communist Chinese Military Companies. The Trump Administration is coordinating closely to counter the threat these companies present to the economy and national security of the United States.
Today, the Treasury Department noted that Executive Order 13959 prohibits the ownership of any CCMC shares by exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and index funds, as well…
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Commerce Department Will Publish the First Military End User List Naming More Than 100 Chinese and Russian Companies
"The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) will amend the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by adding a new ‘Military End User’ (MEU) List, as well as the first tranche of 103 entities, which includes 58 Chinese and 45 Russian companies. The U.S. Government has determined that these companies are ‘military end users’ for purposes of the ‘military end user’ control in the EAR that applies to specified items for exports, reexports, or transfers (in-country) to the China, Russia, and Venezuela when such items are destined…
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Additional Restrictions on the Issuance of Visas for People’s Republic of China Officials Engaged in Human Rights Abuses
"China’s authoritarian rulers impose draconian restrictions on the Chinese people’s freedoms of expression, religion or belief, association, and the right to peaceful assembly. The United States has been clear that perpetrators of human rights abuses like these are not welcome in our country.
Today, I am announcing the imposition of additional restrictions under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act on the issuance of visas for Chinese officials who are believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, policies or actions aimed at repressing…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Locsin
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin, Jr. Secretary Pompeo and Secretary Locsin discussed opportunities to further reinforce the U.S.-Philippine alliance and the binding nature of the 2016 arbitral tribunal award on all parties in the South China Sea. The two secretaries also discussed the economic, security, democratic, and people-to-people ties that make up the strong bond between our two countries."
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Statement from Secretary Ross on The Department's 77 Additions to the Entity List for Human Rights Abuses, Militarization of the South China Sea and U.S. Trade Secret Theft
"Today, the Commerce Department added 77 entities to the Entity List for actions deemed contrary to the national security or foreign policy interest of the United States. These include entities in China that enable human rights abuses, entities that supported the militarization and unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea, entities that acquired U.S.-origin items in support of the People’s Liberation Army’s programs, and entities and persons that engaged in the theft of U.S. trade secrets.
Secretary Ross provided the…
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Secretary Pompeo With Mark Levin of The Mark Levin Show - China
"QUESTION: CIA director, Secretary of State. These are two incredibly prominent positions, foreign policy positions. You’ve worked with President Trump for some time now. Enormous accomplishments by the President and you supporting the President’s agenda, and one of them is confronting China. You’ve been confronting China. You’ve been talking out about China. You’ve been explaining that China is a grave threat to the country. Do you think people now understand that, Mr. Secretary?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Mark, I think they do more than they did four…
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Commerce Adds China’s SMIC to the Entity List, Restricting Access to Key Enabling U.S. Technology
"The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) in the Department of Commerce (Commerce) added Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) of China to the Entity List. BIS is taking this action to protect U.S. national security. This action stems from China’s military-civil fusion (MCF) doctrine and evidence of activities between SMIC and entities of concern in the Chinese military industrial complex.
“We will not allow advanced U.S. technology to help build the military of an increasingly belligerent adversary. Between SMIC’s relationships of concern with the…