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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Press Gaggle by Secretary Mattis En Route to Indonesia
"But again, this'll be my first time in Indonesia as the secretary of defense, so I'll be doing a lot of listening. We'll move from there into Vietnam and there, some of the big issues there, just so you're thinking about what you want to ask me about there, freedom of navigation, obviously, in the South China Sea, the respect for international rule of law and respect for national sovereignty. So we share the Pacific. It's an ocean named for peace, we would like to…
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Press Gaggle by Secretary Mattis En Route to Indonesia - North Korea
"Yes, North Korea comes up in our discussions everywhere in the world, because this is a global issue. You saw a couple weeks -- or -- I guess about it'd be about two weeks ago now, or one week ago, I was in Vancouver, British Columbia, when the secretary of state, the diplomats, got together from the sending states, (inaudible) the troops that sent troops to Korea -- the Korean War in 1950, plus the Republic of Korea and Japan, and Canada and the United…
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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Determinations on Stainless Steel Flanges from the People's Republic of China and India
"Today [January 17, 2018], U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigations of stainless steel flanges from the People’s Republic of China (China) and India, finding that exporters in China and India received countervailable subsidies of 174.73 percent, and from 5.00 to 239.61 percent, respectively. The Commerce Department will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of stainless steel flanges from China and India based on these preliminary rates."
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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Final Determinations on Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from China and India
"Today [January 17, 2018], U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative final determinations in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigations of fine denier polyester staple fiber from the People’s Republic of China (China) and India, finding that exporters from China and India received countervailable subsidies of 41.73 to 47.55 percent and 9.50 to 25.28 percent, respectively. The Commerce Department will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of fine denier polyester staple fiber from China and India based on these final rates."
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U.S. Department of Commerce Initiates Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Investigations of Imports of Certain Plastic Decorative Ribbon from China
"Today [January 17, 2018], U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the initiation of new antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations to determine whether certain plastic decorative ribbon from China is being dumped in the United States or if producers in China are receiving unfair subsidies. [...] The estimated dumping margins alleged by the petitioner range from 74.34 to 370.04 percent for China. The subsidy programs alleged include preferential lending, various tax incentives and export assistance, and the provision of plastic inputs by…
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President Trump's Call with Chinese President Xi
"President Donald J. Trump spoke yesterday with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China to discuss recent developments on the Korean Peninsula. President Trump and President Xi acknowledged the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue and expressed hope that it might prompt a change in North Korea’s destructive behavior. President Trump committed to sustain the United States-led global campaign of maximum pressure to compel North Korea to commit to denuclearization. The two leaders also discussed trade issues, and President Trump expressed disappointment that the United…
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Media Availability with Secretary Mattis en route to Vancouver, Canada
"Our problem is not with the North Korean people. Our problem is with Kim and his regime. But that is the regime in power that we must deal with."
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President Trump's Interview with The Wall Street Journal
"With that being said, President Xi [of China] has been extremely generous with what he’s said, I like him a lot. I have a great relationship with him, as you know I have a great relationship with Prime Minister Abe of Japan and I probably have a very good relationship with Kim Jong Un of North Korea."
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President Trump's Interview with The Wall Street Journal - Trade with Japan and South Korea
"Yesterday it was announced that Toyota is coming in with a very big plant in Alabama. It’s going to cost—they’re going to spend billions of dollars, four thousand jobs, create 300,000 cars a year within the country, which is what I want. Prime Minister Abe told me about it, I pressed him very hard. I said, ‘We got to get your companies building here. We don’t want a building in Japan; we want to build them here. We have a lot of plants opening, car…
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Remarks by the Vice President to Troops and Family Members at Nellis Air Force Base
"In the face of ongoing threats and provocations by the regime in North Korea, I can assure you, the resolve of the United States is firm. We will continue to marshal economic and diplomatic pressure to demand that North Korea abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. But as President Trump has made clear, all options are on the table."
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Secretary Mattis Meets with Japanese Defense Minister Onodera
"Defense Secretary James N. Mattis spoke with Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera yesterday [over the phone] to discuss a range of issues related to the U.S.-Japan alliance. [...They] 'condemned North Korea's reckless and unlawful behavior' [...and Secretary] Mattis reaffirmed the U.S. commitments to Japan’s defense and pledged to work closely with Onodera to bolster critical alliance capabilities."
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President Trump's Call with Korean President Moon
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea. President Moon briefed President Trump on the outcomes of the discussions between North and South Korea on January 9 and thanked President Trump for his influential leadership in making the talks possible. The two leaders underscored the importance of continuing the maximum pressure campaign against North Korea. President Trump expressed his openness to holding talks between the United States and North Korea at the appropriate time, under the right circumstances…
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President Trump Remarks on Opioid Crisis
"We’re pleased to be joined by many of the members of Congress as we take an important step to halt the flood of deadly drugs that are pouring into our country like never before. It took place two, three, four years ago. It’s at a level that people haven’t seen over the last few years. In a few moments, I’ll sign the INTERDICT Act. This law directs the Department of Homeland Security to provide additional tools and resources to detect and…
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Readout of Secretary Mattis’ Phone Call with Japan Minister of Defense Onodera
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis spoke with Japan Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera today to discuss a range of U.S.-Japan Alliance matters. Secretary Mattis and Minister Onodera condemned North Korea’s reckless and unlawful behavior. They discussed the importance of maximizing pressure on North Korea so it changes its path, refrains from provocative and threatening actions, and makes a strategic decision to abandon its nuclear and missile programs. Secretary Mattis described the North Korean threat as a global problem, and the two officials underscored the…
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President Trump's Remarks After Congressional Republican Leadership Retreat
"I spoke with the President, as you know — with President Moon of South Korea. He thanked me very much for my tough stance. And you know, for 25 years, they haven’t been using a tough stance. They’ve been giving everything. When you look at what Bill Clinton did — and you’ve seen the famous clip where Bill Clinton wants to give them everything, and where I said, years ago, with Russert on Meet the Press — many years ago, I talked to — I…
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Readout of Secretary Mattis’ Phone Call with Korean Minister of National Defense Song
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis spoke with Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo today to discuss a range of U.S.-ROK Alliance matters. Both Secretary Mattis and Minister Song recognized the dangers of North Korea’s reckless and unlawful behavior, which goes against the strong consensus of the international community, as reflected in multiple United Nations Security Council Resolutions. The two leaders affirmed the strength of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. Secretary Mattis reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to defend the ROK using the full…
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USTR Lighthizer Announces KORUS Negotiations to Be Held in Seoul, South Korea
"United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced today negotiations on amendments and modifications of the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) will be held in Seoul, Korea on January 31 and February 1, 2018. The United States will engage on priority areas with the goal of moving towards fair and reciprocal trade and resolving additional cross-cutting and sector-specific barriers impacting U.S. exports. The United States delegation will be led by Michael Beeman, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Japan, Korea and APEC. The Republic of…
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USTR Lighthizer Discusses Negotiations on KORUS FTA
"On January 5, 2018, officials from the United States and the Republic of Korea met at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to advance talks related to the U.S.-Korea (KORUS) Free Trade Agreement, including negotiations on Agreement modifications and amendments. The United States delegation was led by Michael Beeman, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Japan, Korea and APEC. The Republic of Korea delegation was led by Ms. Myung-hee Yoo, Director General from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE). [...] At the conclusion…
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Secretary Mattis Remarks on North Korea
"In terms of is it one-off from him [North Korean Chairman Kim Jong Un, regarding comments he made that signal potential outreach to South Korea] or a real olive branch, I don't know. It shows again that the democracies and the nations that are trying to keep this from going to war and stopping the provocations of nuclear weapon development, of ballistic missile launches and that sort of thing are united and trying to keep this thing in a solution - a diplomatic solution vein…
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Press Gaggle with Secretary Mattis
"The de-confliction of the drill [between South Korean and US troops ahead of the Winter Olympics, which South Korea is hosting] is a de-confliction of the drill with the ongoing - the logistics - all the pressure on their system, whether it be police who have to be in places to direct traffic - they're usually in position to direct military traffic and keep that safe, you know. So, it's just the normal de-confliction there. I wouldn't read too much into it because we don't…
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President Trump's Call with Korean President Moon
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea to discuss recent developments on the Korean Peninsula. The two leaders agreed to continue the campaign of maximum pressure against North Korea and to not repeat mistakes of the past. The United States and the Republic of Korea are committed to a safe and successful 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang. President Trump told President Moon that the United States will send a high-level delegation to the Olympics. The two…
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USTR Lighthizer Statement on Conclusion of KORUS Negotiations in Seoul, South Korea
"Officials from the United States and the Republic of Korea met in Seoul, Korea on January 31 - February 1 to advance amendment and modification negotiations and other discussions on the U.S.- Korea (KORUS) Free Trade Agreement. Discussions focused on specific proposals, including those related to market access and tariffs. The United States emphasized steps to rebalance the Agreement to improve the large trade deficit in industrial goods, including autos and auto parts. Additionally, the United States pressed for the resolution of Agreement implementation concerns…
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USTR Lighthizer Releases Annual Reports on China's and Russia's WTO Compliance
"China and Russia have failed to embrace the market-oriented economic policies championed by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and are not living up to certain key commitments they made when they joined the WTO, the U.S. Trade Representative said in annual reports released today on each country’s compliance with WTO rules."
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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations on Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from the People's Republic of China (China), India, the Republic of Korea (Korea), and Taiwan
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of imports of fine denier polyester staple fiber, finding that exporters from China, India, Korea, and Taiwan have sold this merchandise at less than fair value. [...] As a result of today’s decision, Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of fine denier polyester staple fiber from China (52.66 percent to 170.92 percent), India (0.66 percent to 15.66 percent), Korea…
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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations on Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from the People’s Republic of China (China), India, the Republic of Korea (Korea) and Taiwan
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of imports of fine denier polyester staple fiber, finding that exporters from China, India, Korea and Taiwan have sold this merchandise at less than fair value."
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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Countervailing Duty Determination on Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings from the People's Republic of China
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determination in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigation of imports of cast iron soil pipe fittings from China. [...]The Commerce Department preliminarily determined that exporters from China received countervailable subsidies of 8.66 to 102.31 percent."
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USTR Lighthizer Joint Statement with European Commissioner for Trade and Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry at MC11
"We shared the view that severe excess capacity in key sectors exacerbated by government-financed and supported capacity expansion, unfair competitive conditions caused by large market-distorting subsidies and state owned enterprises, forced technology transfer, and local content requirements and preferences are serious concerns for the proper functioning of international trade, the creation of innovative technologies and the sustainable growth of the global economy. We, to address this critical concern, agreed to enhance trilateral cooperation in the WTO and in other forums, as appropriate, to eliminate these…
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Secretary Mattis' Phone Call with Malaysian Minister of Defense Hishammuddin
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis held a phone call with Malaysian Minister of Defense Hishammuddin Tun Hussein on December 4, 2017. The two leaders discussed a range of regional security issues of mutual interest and concern, including North Korea. Secretary Mattis thanked Minister Hishammuddin for Malaysia's support to the international community's efforts to pressure North Korea to abandon it's dangerous and illegal nuclear and missile programs. The Secretary and the Minister also discussed regional counter-terrorism cooperation. The two leaders reaffirmed their shared appreciation of…
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Secretary Mattis' Phone Call with Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin
"A discussion of regional security issues highlighted a phone call yesterday between Defense Secretary James N. Mattis and Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, chief Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White said today. In a statement summarizing the call, White said Mattis thanked his counterpart for Malaysia's support to the international community's efforts to pressure North Korea 'to abandon its dangerous and illegal nuclear and missile programs,' White said."
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USTR Lighthizer Announces KORUS Negotiations to Be Held in Washington, DC
"United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer today announced that negotiations on amendments and modifications of the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) will be held in Washington, D.C. on January 5, 2018. The United States delegation at the meeting will be led by Michael Beeman, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Japan, Korea and APEC. The Republic of Korea delegation at the meeting will be led by Ms. Myung-hee Yoo, Director General from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE). With the recent completion…
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USTR Lighthizer Announces Results of Special 301 Out-of-Cycle Review of Thailand
“A key objective of the Trump Administration’s trade policy is ensuring that U.S. owners of intellectual property (IP) have a full and fair opportunity to use and profit from their IP around the globe. The key to promoting innovation is protecting intellectual property. We welcome the corrective actions that Thailand has taken and look forward to continuing to work with Thailand to resolve our remaining IP concerns.”
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Secretary Mattis' Call with Japanese Minister of Defense Onodera
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis spoke by telephone today for 30 minutes with Japan's Minister of Defense, Itsunori Onodera, to discuss North Korea's November 28th launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Both condemned the launch and were strongly aligned on security issues with a keen, shared recognition of the danger associated with North Korea's reckless, outlaw behavior, which is contrary to United Nations Security Council Resolutions. Both countries are united in their approach to defending their populations and maintaining peace and stability in the…
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President Trump's Call with Korean President Moon
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea for the second time since North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile on November 28. The two leaders discussed next steps to respond to this most recent provocation by North Korea, including how to bring maximum pressure to bear on the regime. The presidents reiterated their strong commitment to enhancing the alliance’s deterrence and defense capabilities. Both leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to compelling North Korea to return to the…
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President Trump's Call with Chinese President Xi
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China to discuss North Korea’s latest missile launch. President Trump underscored the determination of the United States to defend ourselves and our allies from the growing threat posed by the North Korean regime. President Trump emphasized the need for China to use all available levers to convince North Korea to end its provocations and return to the path of denuclearization."
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U.S. Department of Commerce Self-Initiates Historic Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations on Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet From China
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the self-initiation of antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations of imports of common alloy aluminum sheet (common alloy sheet) from the People’s Republic of China (China). These historic investigations, the first in over a quarter century, were self-initiated pursuant to the authority granted to the Secretary under the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended."