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 and President Abdo Benítez of the Republic of Paraguay Before Bilateral Meeting - China
"We have — the China deal, as you know, it was just approved a little while ago. And it’s — to me, it’s not complicated, but that’s what I do. It’s a phenomenal deal. The tariffs will largely remain at 25 percent on $250 billion. And we’ll use them for future negotiations on the phase two deal, because China would like to see the tariffs off, and we — we’re okay with that. But they’ll be used as a negotiating table for the phase two…
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United States and China Reach Phase One Trade Agreement
"The United States and China have reached an historic and enforceable agreement on a Phase One trade deal that requires structural reforms and other changes to China’s economic and trade regime in the areas of intellectual property, technology transfer, agriculture, financial services, and currency and foreign exchange. The Phase One agreement also includes a commitment by China that it will make substantial additional purchases of U.S. goods and services in the coming years. Importantly, the agreement establishes a strong dispute resolution system that ensures prompt…
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Secretary Pompeo and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov At a Press Availability - North Korea and China
"QUESTION: Good afternoon, Mr. Secretary. On North Korea and your discussions with North Korea, are you satisfied with Russian and other countries’ sanctions enforcement? And then also within the past week, North Korea has warned of a “Christmas gift” for the United States. Is the administration prepared or expect North Korea to return to a more aggressive posture, perhaps want to terminate negotiations?
Foreign Minister Lavrov, in your discussions over Paul Whelan, are the U.S. and Russia any closer to resolving that case? Is Paul…
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Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure - North Korea
"Q Mr. President, how do you plan on reengaging North Korea in the negotiations?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, we’ll see about North Korea. I’d be surprised if North Korea acted hostiley [sic]. I have a very good relationship with Kim Jong Un. I think we both want to keep it that way. He knows I have an election coming up. I don’t think he wants to interfere with that. But we’ll have to see.
He’s somebody that I’ve gotten along with very well for three years…
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Secretary Esper and Singapore Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen Signing Memorandum of Understanding
"SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MARK T. ESPER: Well, let me just say a few things. Mr. Minister, thank you again for being here today. It is an honor to sign this memorandum of understanding to establish Singapore's permanent fighter training presence on Guam. This agreement is indicative of the strong bonds between the United States and the Republic of Singapore particularly with respect to our defense cooperation. Today's signing continues the momentum in our growing relationship following the renewal of the 1990 memorandum of understanding by…
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Readout of Meeting Between Secretary Esper and Singapore Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen
"Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper and Singapore Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen met on the sidelines of the Reagan National Defense Forum where they discussed a range of issues on the bilateral defense relationship. They affirmed the importance of continuing to enhance our defense partnership following the renewal of the U.S.-Singapore Memorandum of Understanding by President Trump and Prime Minister Lee in September. The Secretary expressed appreciation for the regional access Singapore provides to U.S. forces, and both sides looked forward to further…
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Secretary Pompeo And Portuguese Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva At a Press Availability - China
"QUESTION: Hi, Victoria Waldersee from Reuters. You’ve spoken significantly about Huawei as Chinese firms do hold significant investments in key sectors in Portugal’s economy, and telecommunications operators here are working with Huawei to roll out 5G networks next year. Is this an impediment in U.S.-Portuguese relations, especially considering Trump’s statement yesterday that Huawei is not just a security risk but a security danger, and how will it affect your relationship if China continues to win key contracts in Portugal’s economy? That’s a question for you…
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Thailand National Day
"On behalf of the government of the United States of America, I offer my warm wishes to the people of Thailand as you celebrate your National Day on December 5.
For more than 200 years, the United States and Thailand have strengthened the friendship and spirit of partnership between our nations. The U.S.-Thai alliance supports a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Our longstanding business ties, highlighted in the very successful Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Bangkok, help the people of the United States and Thailand to…
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Ambassador Lighthizer Lauds Japan’s Approval of the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement and the U.S.-Japan Digital Trade Agreement
"United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer issued the following statement today after Japan’s Diet approved the recently-signed U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement and the U.S.-Japan Digital Trade Agreement:
“I commend Japan’s quick action to approve these important trade agreements between our two nations, which are the world’s first and third largest economies. We expect the President to sign the implementing proclamation for the United States next week. The positive results the United States and Japan will gain from these agreements would not be possible without the strong…
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Remarks by President Trump and NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg After 1:1 Meeting - China and North Korea
"Q Could I ask you about NATO? Why is China such an important subject for this NATO Summit? What threat do they pose?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, China has become very powerful and much more so than in the past. They’ve done it, largely, with United States money, because our past Presidents allowed them to steal the cookie cutter. And that’s okay — I don’t begrudge China for that. I begrudge — I’m very disappointed in our past Presidents and leadership. They allowed this to happen…
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Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada Before Bilateral Meeting - China
"PRESIDENT TRUMP: And with trade, I have all the cards. We’ve built a — we have built something in the last three years that’s been incredible. You’ve seen it. We’re up $21 trillion, and China is down about $32 trillion.
And as you know, for years, I’ve been hearing that it was “2019.” “In 2019, China’s going to become the largest economy.” Well, that didn’t happen. We’re much larger than China now, because we’ve gone up and they’ve gone down. And they’ve had their worst…
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks on Europe and China with Respect to 5G
"EU communications ministers will gather in Brussels on Tuesday[1] to discuss how to safeguard emerging fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks. Their decisions could have lasting impacts on European countries’ ability to protect their people’s privacy, and ultimately, safeguard their freedoms.
5G networks will soon touch every aspect of life, including critical infrastructure. Innovative new capabilities will power autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, smart grids and other groundbreaking technologies. Thanks to the way 5G networks are built, it’s impossible to separate any one part of the network…