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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Remarks by Vice President Pence at the Magna Seating Groundbreaking - China
"And, of course, today, our team returned to China to continue negotiations with a nation that represents half of our international trade deficit.
As you all have witnessed, so far, President Trump has taken a strong stand. We’ve imposed as much as $250 billion in tariffs on China. And I’ll make you a promise: This President and this administration is going to continue to stand strong until China opens its markets and starts treating American workers and American companies the way they deserve to be…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence at the 2nd Annual Religious Freedom Ministerial - Myanmar [Burma], China, and North Korea
"We’re also standing up for the persecuted Rohingya people in Burma. While that conflict has fallen along ethnic lines, we cannot ignore the rise of militant Buddhism against Muslim and Christian minorities that’s taken place. A brutal campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya has forced more than 700,000 to flee across the border to Bangladesh. And though the United States has repeatedly urged the Burmese government to hold accountable all those responsible, the government has continued to imprison and harass innocent men and women.
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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."
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Remarks by Vice President Pence in a Press Gaggle - China
"Q — please allow me to ask questions not related, but I think if you would think it’s important as a man of faith. You understand that a lot of the — in China, this year marks the 20 years’ anniversary of the Chinese government’s persecution of Falun Gong — the spiritual movement. And even people here — I just met some people — they are here now, but they still affected by Chinese government’s persecution policy, which has extended to here.
So at this…
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Readout of Vice President Mike Pence’s Telephone Call with Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia
"Vice President Mike Pence spoke by phone last night with Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia Scott Morrison, congratulating him on his Coalition’s win in the Australian Federal elections. He reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship and enduring alliance between the United States and Australia."
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Remarks by Vice President Pence in Roundtable Discussion with Local Wisconsin Business Leaders - China
"And with regard to China, I will just tell you we understand what a big and important market it is, not just for agriculture but for so many things. But we really do believe that — I mean, they’re half of our international trade deficit right now. And that is nothing to say about the abuses of intellectual property and forced technology transfer and ownership within China. And so we’re driving hard to address those things.
The President will be meeting with President Xi at…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence After Touring R&J Johnson Farms | Glyndon, MN - China
"And as we speak today, a delegation from China has arrived in Washington, D.C., for the latest negotiations. And I want to assure all of you, particularly those of you in soybeans, who export to China and understand that we’re working literally hour by hour to reach an agreement with China.
The President and I remain hopeful that we’ll be able to reach an agreement, but we’re going to continue to stand firm. We’re going to continue to stand firm for putting American jobs, American…