This resource will track statements, developments, visits, and other interactions in US-Indo-Pacific relations under the President Trump administration. Special focus will be 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 Defense Dr. Mark Esper; Secretary of State Mike Pompeo; Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, Jr.; and (former) Secretary of Defense James Mattis.
The Trump Administration & US - Indo-Pacific Relations
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Vice President Pence and Prime Minister Abe of Japan's Remarks in Joint Press Statements
"Thank you, Prime Minister Abe, for those kind words and for the warm hospitality that you’ve shown to Karen and me. This is our third visit to Japan since I became Vice President. And it is my great honor to be with you today to reflect the remarkable bond that exists between our two nations.
And I’m here today on behalf of a friend of yours and a great champion of the U.S.-Japan alliance, President Donald Trump. I know the President is very much looking…
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Vice President Pence’s Meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc of Vietnam
"Vice President Pence met with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc of Vietnam to reaffirm the United States-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership. Noting the 25th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations in 2020, they agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation across economic and security realms, including by addressing barriers to trade and by enhancing maritime security cooperation in the South China Sea. The Vice President thanked Vietnam for its cooperation on recovery operations of missing U.S. personnel and for supporting the pressure campaign on North Korea. They agreed to work…
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Vice President Pence and Prime Minister Abe of Japan's Remarks Before Bilateral Meeting
"Well, thank you, Prime Minister Abe. It is a great honor for me to be here on my third visit to Japan. And I bring greetings and the warmest regards from your friend, President Donald Trump.
The Japan-U.S. alliance is historically the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. And when the President directed me to represent him at the ASEAN and APEC conference, we knew that coming to Japan first was the right step. And I’m grateful for your hospitality and time.
The…
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Vice President Pence's Op-Ed in The Washington Post on US-Indo-Pacific Relations
We seek an Indo-Pacific — from the United States to India, from Japan to Australia, and everywhere in between — where sovereignty is respected, where commerce flows unhindered and where independent nations are masters of their own destinies. This region, which includes more than half of Earth’s surface and population, has experienced great progress when these principles have been respected. While some nations now seek to undermine this foundation, the United States is taking decisive action to protect our interests and promote the Indo-Pacific’s shared…
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Secretary Pompeo's Call With Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan
"Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke by phone today with Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. The two discussed the upcoming U.S.-ASEAN and East Asia Summits in Singapore in November. Both sides looked forward to Vice President Pence’s travel to the region. They also discussed ASEAN’s central role in the Indo-Pacific Strategy and opportunities for further enhancing bilateral and regional cooperation."
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Secretary Pompeo's Interview With Kania Sutisnawinata of Metro TV
"It’s wonderful and important for the United States, an incredibly strategic relationship – two of the world’s largest democracies, now 70 years of diplomatic relations. I think we do wonderful things with our support of Indonesia, and right back Indonesia does great things that are important for the American people too. It’s a strong relationship. The leadership here works closely with our team, and we are doing great things together. [...] Indonesia has long been a great trading partner. President Trump wants to trade with…