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 Pompeo’s Call with Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, and UK Counterparts
"Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke yesterday with Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. They discussed our coordination on responding to urgent global challenges, including the PRC’s unilateral and arbitrary decision to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong; Iran’s destabilizing activities in Iraq and the Middle East; and the need for a transparent accounting into the origins of, and global response to, COVID-19. They also discussed coordination to…
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Anzac Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I am honored to send our best wishes to the people of Australia and New Zealand on Anzac Day this April 25.
Today we stand together to honor the memory of the courageous heroes of Gallipoli. We also acknowledge the brave Australian and New Zealand personnel, past and present, who have sacrificed and served to secure peace in the years since that historic battle.
We face a different challenge this year, and we commend…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Australian Foreign Minister Payne
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne today about the continued strong U.S.-Australia and international coordination to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The two highlighted the importance of increased vigilance and cooperation to prevent a deterioration of the security and health situation in the region, particularly in Southeast Asia. Secretary Pompeo thanked Foreign Minister Payne for Australia’s support for repatriating American citizens, not just from Australia but from all around the region."
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Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Australian Prime Minister Morrison
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison today. Secretary Pompeo and Prime Minister Morrison emphasized the importance of U.S.-Australian and international coordination to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and to address the public health risk caused by the outbreak. Secretary Pompeo thanked Prime Minister Morrison for Australia’s support for repatriating American Citizens. The two also discussed the importance of a strong international response to the outbreak in the region, including in Southeast Asia."
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Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Payne
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne today to discuss coordination of U.S. and Australia policy in the Indo-Pacific, including through the annual Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN), as well as trilateral infrastructure cooperation with Japan, and Quad coordination with Japan and India. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Payne reaffirmed their commitment to engage with ASEAN, which remains at the heart of our respective visions for the Indo-Pacific. They also discussed the need to protect freedom and sovereignty in the…
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Australia National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I would like to congratulate the Australian people on the occasion of Australia Day on January 26.
The U.S.– Australia relationship is an admirable example of how two countries can work together to bring peace, stability, and prosperity to our people and the world. The tragic loss of life and property from the devastating Australian wildfires saddens us deeply. The surge in donations from Americans concerned about their Australian friends and the warm reception…
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Secretary Pompeo Remarks to the Press - Australia and China
"But first, too, I want to offer my condolences to the people of Australia for the tragic loss of life and property caused by the devastating wildfires across that region. America’s thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the emergency service personnel putting themselves in harm’s way. And the same goes, too, for the dozens of U.S. firefighting personnel who are standing side by side with our Australian friends, fighting the flames together. As I said when I was in Sydney just…
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Remarks by Secretary Esper and Australian Defence Minister Reynolds Following Bilateral Engagement at the Pentagon
"SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MARK T. ESPER: OK, well good afternoon everyone. It's been my pleasure today to welcome Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds to the Pentagon. As you all know, the first trip I took as Secretary of Defense was when – to the Indo-pacific region. The first country I visited was Australia, and the first person I met with, Minister Reynolds. So it's great to welcome her here to the Pentagon and to discuss a wide range of issues.
As you know, our priority…