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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New Zealand National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I send my best wishes as New Zealand commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on February 6.
The long-standing friendship between the United States and New Zealand continues to expand and deepen. Americans and New Zealanders have fought side-by-side to defend freedom and democracy in every major conflict since World War I and have cooperated broadly to bring peace, stability, and prosperity to both our people and the world.
The past year…
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On the Passing of Former New Zealand Prime Minister Mike Moore
"On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend my sincerest condolences on the passing of former New Zealand Prime Minister and World Trade Organization Director-General Mike Moore. Former Prime Minister Moore dedicated his life to serving his country at home and abroad, including as World Trade Organization Director-General and Ambassador to the United States. A stronger U.S.-New Zealand partnership is one of his many legacies. We send our deepest condolences to the people of New Zealand on his passing."
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Remarks by President Trump in State of the Union Address - China
"Days ago, we signed the groundbreaking new agreement with China that will defend our workers, protect our intellectual property, bring billions and billions of dollars into our treasury, and open vast new markets for products made and grown right here in the USA. (Applause.)
For decades, China has taken advantage of the United States. Now we have changed that, but, at the same time, we have perhaps the best relationship we’ve ever had with China, including with President Xi. They respect what we’ve done…
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Sri Lanka’s Independence Day
"On behalf of the people of the United States, I send my best wishes to Sri Lanka as you celebrate the 72nd anniversary of your independence on February 4.
Our relationship is based on common democratic values, and the United States steadfastly supports Sri Lanka’s vibrant democracy and its sovereignty. We share a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region that ensures peace, economic growth, security, democracy, and human rights for the advancement of our peoples. I look forward to deepening our ties in…
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Secretary Pompeo and Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov at a Press Availability - China
"QUESTION: Good morning. Thank you. Mr. Secretary, congratulations to the Chiefs.
SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you.
QUESTION: Even if they are from Missouri and not Kansas. (Laughter.)
Secondly, since the beginning of this trip, and in fact for months, in fact since you’ve been Secretary, you have spoken at great length about the threats that you see, concerns about Chinese investment, Chinese influence, particularly 5G within Huawei and the 5G networks. And I am wondering: Is there a particular concern in Central Asia about that given…
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Secretary Pompeo With Aigerim Toleukhanova of Radio Azattyq -China
"QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, thank you for visiting Kazakhstan. Let’s start with the first question: Xinjiang. The U.S. Government has banned a number of companies and officials tied to abuses in there. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan and other countries whose very ethnic minorities are trapped in Xinjiang say that these are internal issues of China. Are you concerned with that? How – what are you telling President Tokayev about problems in Xinjiang?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Well, thanks for having me on your show today. I appreciate that. The United…
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Secretary Pompeo And Kazakhstani Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi - China
"Before I speak to our meeting today, I wanted to say a word or two about the work that the United States is doing to help Kazakhstan in dealing with the coronavirus. As of yesterday early evening, there were 46 potential cases under investigation here in Kazakhstan. Quick action to stop the spread of the virus has been incredibly impressive. The fact that your country shares roughly 1,100 miles, almost 1,800 kilometers, with China was obviously a cause for concern, and so you acted.
But…
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Secretary Michael Pompeo With Iain Dale of LBC Radio - China
"QUESTION: Another bone of contention between our two countries, obviously, Huawei. You’ve been talking about that today. On a scale of one to ten, how disappointed were you with the decision that was announced on Tuesday?
SECRETARY POMPEO: It’s a great question, one I’m not going to answer.
QUESTION: I knew you wouldn’t. (Laughter.)
SECRETARY POMPEO: Look, we’ve said we were disappointed. We view the intrusion of the Chinese Communist Party into information technology systems as a very grave risk – a national security risk…