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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The United States Sanctions Chinese State-Owned Entity for its Role in Corruption in Cambodia
"China is the world’s largest emitter of environmental pollution including of greenhouse gases and the exploitation of natural resources around the globe. Today, the United States again took action by imposing sanctions on the People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-owned Union Development Group, Ltd. (UDG) under Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, for its role in corrupt activities in Cambodia.
Today’s action demonstrates how the Chinese Communist Party coopts companies to expand its influence, including…
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The Mekong-U.S. Partnership: The Mekong Region Deserves Good Partners
"The launch of the Mekong-U.S. Partnership reflects the importance of the Mekong region to the United States. Our relationship with Mekong partner countries is an integral part of our Indo-Pacific vision and our strategic partnership with ASEAN. With more than $150 million in initial investments in regional programs, we will build on the good work of the Lower Mekong Initiative and the $3.5 billion in regional U.S. assistance during the last eleven years.
The Mekong-U.S. Partnership is committed to the autonomy, economic independence, good governance…
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The Enduring U.S. Commitment to ASEAN
"America has long been a friend to ASEAN countries. At the ASEAN-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ meeting recently, I reaffirmed U.S. support for ASEAN’s role at the heart of the Indo-Pacific.
The ASEAN Outlook for the Indo-Pacific and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy share a respect for sovereignty, the rule of law, transparency, openness, and inclusivity. These shared principles form the core of our work with ASEAN and are the basis for this week’s launch of the Mekong-U.S. Partnership. We reiterate U.S. support for ASEAN as it speaks…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Participation in 2020 ASEAN-United States Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo joined the annual ASEAN-United States Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with his counterparts from the 10 ASEAN member states via videoconference on September 9.
Secretary Pompeo and his ASEAN counterparts highlighted the breadth and depth of U.S. engagement and commitment to the ASEAN region. They discussed ASEAN and U.S. cooperation on regional political, security, economic, and cultural issues. The Secretary reiterated U.S. support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and its role in guiding U.S. engagement with ASEAN. He further…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Participation in the 10th East Asia Summit Virtual Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo joined counterparts from 17 countries for the 10th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting this morning. Secretary Pompeo highlighted U.S. support for principles of openness, inclusiveness, transparency, and respect for international law. These principles are shared across our Indo-Pacific vision, ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo Pacific, and the visions of many other EAS member states.
The Secretary praised ASEAN unity and transparency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and outlined U.S. efforts to leverage all available resources to develop…
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Secretary of Defense Remarks for the Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the End of World War II
"Today, in the face of new challenges to this free and open order, we are working to build an even broader coalition of partners – one that includes both longtime friends and former adversaries – to protect the hard-fought gains of generations past and present…especially in the Pacific. We share an important goal – defending the sacred principles that benefit us all: democracy, liberty, sovereignty, human rights, mutual respect, and the rule of law.
To do so, we continue to forge new partnerships and…
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Secretary Michael R. Pompeo at a Press Availability
"On the multilateral front further, I look forward to seeing my ASEAN and Indo-Pacific counterparts next week at a host of virtual meetings.
We’ll have discussions that will be wide-ranging, including on COVID, North Korea, South China Sea, Hong Kong, and Burma’s Rakhine State.
I’ll also raise how the Trump administration is restoring reciprocity to the U.S.-China relationship. And today we continue that necessary work.
For years, the Chinese Communist Party has imposed significant barriers on American diplomats working inside the PRC.
Specifically, the Chinese…
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Vietnam National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I send congratulations to the people of Vietnam as you celebrate your National Day.
In 2020, we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of U.S.-Vietnam diplomatic relations. The remarkable transformation of our relationship, across trade and investment, security cooperation, and people-to-people ties, is a testament to those who worked to overcome the past and build a better future for both our peoples. We celebrate the recently signed agreement that will bring Peace Corps…
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Readout of Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper's Virtual Meeting With the Singapore Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen
"On August 30, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper met virtually with his Singapore counterpart, Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen to discuss the U.S.-Singapore bilateral defense relationship. Secretary Esper expressed solidarity with Singapore's efforts to address the COVID-19 outbreak and applauded Singapore's success in its pandemic response. Secretary Esper expressed appreciation for the regional access that Singapore provides U.S. forces, and its commitment to continued access made possible by renewal of the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding Regarding United States Use of Facilities in Singapore…
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Malaysia Independence Day
"On behalf of the United States Government and the American people, I congratulate the people of Malaysia as you celebrate your Independence Day.
The strong partnership between the United States and Malaysia allows us to better face new challenges and pursue new opportunities for our citizens. Building on our robust economic, security, and people-to-people ties, we continue to make progress on our shared goal of promoting a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. We look forward to another year of advancement in the relations between our two…
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Secretary Esper's Remarks at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies 25th Anniversary Speaker Event
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U.S. Imposes Restrictions on Certain PRC State-Owned Enterprises and Executives for Malign Activities in the South China Sea
"The United States supports a free and open South China Sea. We respect the sovereign rights of all nations, regardless of size, and seek to preserve peace and uphold freedom of the seas in a manner consistent with international law. In July, I announced an updated policy regarding Beijing’s unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea and emphasized that the United States was prepared to take firm action to oppose Beijing’s campaign of bullying.
Today, the Department of State will begin imposing visa restrictions…