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
All Posts
Text
Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Kang
"Secretary Pompeo met with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-Wha today on the margins of the ASEAN-centered ministerial meetings. They discussed the enduring strength of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, which remains the linchpin of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and across the Indo-Pacific region. The Secretary and Foreign Minister also reaffirmed close cooperation on achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization of the DPRK, as agreed to by Chairman Kim in Singapore."
Text
Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith
"Secretary Pompeo met today with Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith on the margins of the ASEAN-centered ministerials in Singapore. The Secretary welcomed Laos as the United States’ incoming ASEAN coordinator, and underscored the U.S. commitment to the Lower Mekong Initiative, through which the United States partners with Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam to advance transboundary cooperation. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister affirmed our strong bilateral ties, and highlighted the positive impact of cooperation on development assistance, the clearance of unexploded ordnance, and…
Text
Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono
"On August 4, Secretary Pompeo met with Japanese Foreign Minister Kono in Singapore to discuss next steps on DPRK engagement. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Kono reaffirmed our commitment to the final, fully verified denuclearization of the DPRK. The Secretary and Minister agreed that pressure must continue until the DPRK denuclearizes. They also affirmed the strength of the U.S.-Japan Alliance and vowed to continue working together closely to address common challenges, seize shared opportunities, and advance the interests of both the United States and Japan…
Text
Joint Statement To Strengthen Water Data Management and Information Sharing in The Lower Mekong
"Do hereby endeavor to:
Strengthen the individual capacity of the Lower Mekong Countries to collect, analyze and manage water (quality and quantity; surface and ground), land, and weather data and information products for the purposes of reducing water-related risks, improving regional responses to environmental emergencies, and promoting sustainable economic development across the water, food, energy, and environment nexus."
Text
U.S. Security Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Region
"At the ASEAN Regional Forum on August 4, Secretary Pompeo announced the intent to provide nearly $300 million in security assistance to improve security relationships across the Indo-Pacific region. This assistances includes $290.5 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to strengthen maritime security, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR), and peacekeeping capabilities, and $8.5 million in International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INCLE) funds to counter transnational crime. This funding commitment comes shortly after Secretary Pompeo and other senior Administration officials announced new economic and development initiatives at…
Text
Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Indonesian Foreign Minister Marsudi
"Secretary Mike Pompeo met with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in Jakarta on August 4, reaffirming close bilateral relations and a strong U.S.-Indonesia Strategic Partnership as we look ahead to celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties in 2019. The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for Indonesia’s leadership role in ASEAN, and congratulated Indonesia on its upcoming term in the UN Security Council. The Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed bilateral cooperation and multilateral engagement on regional security challenges, including the DPRK and counterterrorism, as well…
Text
Joint Statement on the Eleventh Ministerial Meeting of the Lower Mekong Initiative
"The Secretary and the Foreign Ministers approved a joint plan to update and streamline the LMI [Lower Mekong Initiative] to be more dynamic in responding to the sub-region’s needs by combining previous work streams into two inclusive pillars: 1) the Water, Energy, Food, and Environment Nexus; and 2) Human Development and Connectivity (which will include but is not limited to activities related to connectivity, health, and education). Member countries will integrate the themes of gender equality and women’s empowerment, connectivity, and public-private partnership across all…
Text
Press Availability at the 51st ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings
"Throughout my ASEAN-centered engagements these past days I’ve conveyed President Trump’s commitment to this vital part of the world that continues to grow in importance. Security has been a major focus of our conversations. As part of our commitment to advancing regional security in the Indo-Pacific, the United States is excited to announce nearly $300 million in new funding to reinforce security cooperation throughout the entire region. This new security assistance will advance our shared priorities, especially to strengthen maritime security, develop humanitarian assistance and…
Text
Secretary Pompeo's Interview With Lin Xueling of Channel NewsAsia - Trade
"America is always going to be a great partner for Asia, Southeast Asia in particular. It’s great to be back here in Singapore; I’ve had fantastic meetings all day with my counterparts, talking about America’s commitment to making sure that we had a free, fair, open Indo-Pacific. With respect to trade, that’s what we’re looking for too. We want every country to rise. We want each nation to have the opportunity to trade, to buy American goods, to sell goods into America. These are the…
Text
Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
"Today in Singapore, Secretary Pompeo met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and reaffirmed the enduring U.S.-Singapore strategic partnership. They also discussed shared priorities during Singapore’s 2018 ASEAN chairmanship, trade and investment in the Indo-Pacific region, and continued cooperation on regional challenges, including the DPRK and South China Sea."