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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Secretary Ross Meeting with Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Seko
"The U.S. is keen to increase trade with Japan through a trade agreement, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross told reporters on Tuesday morning after meeting Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Hiroshige Seko in Tokyo. 'We are certainly eager to increase our trade relationships with Japan and to do so in the form of an agreement,' Ross said when asked whether the two ministers had discussed a free trade agreement between the two countries. The Trump administration has expressed its intention to discuss a bilateral…
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Vice President Pence and Deputy Prime Minister Aso on the U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue
"Vice President Mike Pence and Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso met today to launch the U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue in Tokyo, Japan. In February, President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to this Economic Dialogue when the two leaders met in Washington, D.C., as a way to deepen the strong economic ties between the United States and Japan. The Co-Chairs agreed to structure the Economic Dialogue along three policy pillars: Common Strategy on Trade and Investment Rules/Issues; Cooperation in Economic and Structural Policies…
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President Trump's Interview with the Wall Street Journal - China and North Korea
"We have tremendous trade deficits with everybody, but the big one is with China. It’s hundreds of billions of dollars of year for many many years. And I told them. I said you know, we’re not going to let that go ahead. Now, I did say — but you want to make a great deal? Solve the problem in North Korea. That’s worth having deficits. And that’s worth having not as good a trade deal as I would normally be able to make. OK, I’ll…
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President Trump's Remarks on China and Currency Manipulation
"'They're [China] not currency manipulators.'"
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President Trump's Meeting with Chinese President Xi
"President Trump and President Xi agreed to work in concert to expand areas of cooperation while managing differences based on mutual respect. [...] President Trump noted the challenges caused by Chinese government intervention in its economy and raised serious concerns about the impact of China’s industrial, agricultural, technology, and cyber policies on United States jobs and exports. The President underscored the need for China to take concrete steps to level the playing field for American workers, stressing repeatedly the need for reciprocal market access. [...]…
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President Trump's Letter to Vietnamese President Quang
"U.S. President Donald Trump has written to Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang to promote more cooperation between the two countries, the government website cited Quang as saying. Vietnam and the United States had advanced ties to a new level under the Obama administration amid a dispute with China over East Vietnam Sea issues, while Trump has also expressed his hope for a stronger relationship. Trump sent a letter to Quang 'affirming his wishes to promote cooperation on economics, trade, regional and international issues', the Vietnamese…
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President Trump's Call with Indian Prime Minister Modi
"President Donald J. Trump spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to congratulate him on the outcome of India’s recent state-level elections. President Trump expressed support for the Prime Minister’s economic reform agenda and emphasized his great respect for the people of India. President Trump also said he looks forward to hosting Prime Minister Modi in Washington later this year."