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 President Trump on China and Asian Americans
“Q (Laughs.) Mr. President, on Monday, did you speak with Chinese President Xi before you urged Americans to not blame Asian Americans for the coronavirus? We noticed that you’ve backed off of that language. I know you’re speaking with him again tonight.
THE PRESIDENT: No, I didn’t. I’m speaking to him tonight. It’s scheduled to go tonight. I’ll have a call with President Xi of China. I have a very good relationship.
No, I didn’t like when they came up. And it — it wasn’t…
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Secretary Pompeo With Hugh Hewitt of The Hugh Hewitt Show - Coronavirus Around the Indo-Pacific
"QUESTION: Neither can I. Let me move to China. Can you confirm the report that the G7 disagrees with you over your belief we ought to call this the Wuhan virus?
SECRETARY POMPEO: So different countries take different approaches. I will say this: I was actually pleased yesterday. The EU countries that are part of the G7 made very clear, as did my Japanese counterpart, that the Chinese disinformation campaign that the Chinese are actively engaged in even as we speak, trying to defer blame…
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President Trump Signs TAIPEI Act into Law
"S. 1678, the “Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act of 2019,” which requires the Department of State to report to Congress on steps taken by the United States government to strengthen Taiwan’s diplomatic relations with other partners in the Indo-Pacific region and alter United States’ engagement with nations that undermine the security or prosperity of Taiwan."
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Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Singaporean Foreign Minister Balakrishnan
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan where they emphasized the importance of close U.S.-Singapore coordination in addressing the COVID-19 crisis. The Secretary also welcomed the recent election of Singapore’s Daren Tang to head the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The Secretary and the Foreign Minister reaffirmed their desire to work together to advance WIPO’s core mission of safeguarding intellectual property as a means of driving innovation, investment, and economic opportunity."
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Bangladesh Independence Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States and the American people, I send my best wishes to the people of Bangladesh on your Independence Day on March 26 as you commemorate the centennial of the birth of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, “Father of the Nation,” ahead of your 2021 Golden Jubilee.
Over the past 49 years, the United States and Bangladesh have enjoyed a strong friendship and close cooperation on sustainable economic development, regional stability, and peacekeeping.
The United States remains committed to deepening…
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Secretary Pompeo At a Press Availability - China, North Korea, and Myanmar
"[...] First, we spent a substantial amount of time on threats posed by authoritarian states. The Chinese Communist Party poses a substantial threat to our health and way of life, as the Wuhan virus outbreak clearly has demonstrated. The CCP also threatens to undermine the free and open order that has underpinned our mutual prosperity and safety in the G7 countries.
I urged every one of the countries to work together to protect the UN and other organizations from its malign influence and authoritarianism. We…
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Secretary Pompeo With Tony Perkins of Washington Watch - China
"QUESTION: Joining me now is Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Mr. Secretary, welcome back to Washington Watch.
SECRETARY POMPEO: Tony, it’s great to be with you today.
QUESTION: I know you just got back in from off the road traveling. I appreciate you joining us this afternoon. But I’m going to ask you a very plain, straightforward question: Where did this virus come from that over 50,000 Americans have contracted, in the last count, about 700 had died from?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Yeah, Tony, this virus…
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Readout of Secretary Esper's Phone Call With Indian Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh
"Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper spoke with his Indian counterpart, Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh, over the phone today. During the call, the two leaders discussed bilateral defense priorities, including ongoing regional cooperation and initiatives to enhance military-to-military engagement and defense trade. They also discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and underscored their commitment to close communication during this period in order to maintain momentum on initiatives that reinforce our comprehensive global partnership. Secretary Esper expressed his appreciation for India's leadership in coordinating COVID-19 related…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi today, reinforcing the importance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance as the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Motegi discussed our two democracies’ shared response to the Wuhan Corona Pandemic and emphasized the need for transparency and accountability by all nations in the face of this international crisis. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Motegi also stressed their continued cooperation on security issues around the globe."