The Trump Administration & US - Indo-Pacific Relations

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.

Methodology

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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 the alliance’s response to North Korea’s test of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Both leaders underscored the grave threat that North Korea’s latest provocation poses not only to the United States and the Republic of Korea, but to the entire world. President Trump and President Moon reaffirmed their strong condemnation of North Korea’s reckless campaign to advance its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, noting that these weapons only serve…

U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Final Countervailing Duty Determination on Tool Chests and Cabinets from China

"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative final determination in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigation of imports of tool chests and cabinets from the People’s Republic of China (China). [...] The Commerce Department determined that China is providing unfair subsidies to its producers of tool chests and cabinets at rates from 14.03 to 95.96 percent."

Remarks by President Trump in Meeting with Congressional Leadership - China

"Corporate will be able to compete now against the world. If you look at China, if you look at so many other countries, if you look at many of the countries, China is at 15 percent. They're lower than us. We're getting it down to a level that is either going to be lower or right in the ballpark so we can compete much better with our companies -- our great, great companies. And that means jobs and it means lots of other things."

Remarks by the Vice President to the Hudson Institute's Herman Kahn Award Dinner

"And the Kim regime in North Korea would do well not to test the resolve of this President or the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the United States of America. As President Trump said today, we will take care of the situation. All options are on the table, and we will continue to marshal the full resources of the United States to bring economic and diplomatic pressure to bear until North Korea abandons its nuclear and ballistic missile programs once and for all."

Remarks by the Vice President at ASEAN

"Today on President Trump’s behalf, I’d like to congratulate ASEAN on its 50th anniversary. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the United States’ diplomatic relationship with ASEAN. Our relationship without a doubt has benefitted both ASEAN and America — diplomatically, economically, and from the standpoint of national security. The relationship between the United States and ASEAN is a strategic partnership. And under President Trump’s leadership, the United States is already taking steps to strengthen our partnership with ASEAN and deepen our friendship. I…

U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations on Cold-Drawn Mechanical Tubing from Germany, China, Switzerland, India, Italy and Korea

"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of imports of cold-drawn mechanical tubing from Germany, China, Switzerland, India, Italy, and Korea. [...] The Commerce Department preliminarily determined that exporters from Germany, China, Switzerland, India, Italy, and Korea have sold cold-drawn mechanical tubing in the United States at 5.10 percent to 209.06 less than fair value. The Department also preliminarily determined that critical circumstances exist for certain exporters/producers of cold-drawn mechanical tubing from China, Italy…

U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations on Cold-Drawn Mechanical Tubing from Germany, China, Switzerland, India, Italy and Korea

"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of imports of cold-drawn mechanical tubing from Germany, China, Switzerland, India, Italy and Korea. [...]The Commerce Department preliminarily determined that exporters from Germany, China, Switzerland, India, Italy and Korea have sold cold-drawn mechanical tubing in the United States at 5.10 percent to 209.06 less than fair value. The Department also preliminarily determined that critical circumstances exist for certain exporters/producers of cold-drawn mechanical tubing from China, Italy and…

Remarks by President Trump on His Trip to Asia

"At the East Asia Summit, the United States negotiated and signed four important leaders’ statements on the use of chemical weapons, money laundering, poverty alleviation, and countering terrorist propaganda and financing. And crucially, at both summits and throughout the trip, we asked all nations to support our campaign of maximum pressure for North Korean denuclearization. And they are responding by cutting trade with North Korea, restricting financial ties to the regime, and expelling North Korean diplomats and workers."

Remarks by President Trump on His Trip to Asia - China

"During our visit, President Xi pledged to faithfully implement United Nations Security Council resolutions on North Korea and to use his great economic influence over the regime to achieve our common goal of a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. President Xi recognizes that a nuclear North Korea is a grave threat to China, and we agreed that we would not accept a so-called “freeze for freeze” agreement like those that have consistently failed in the past. We made that time is running out and we made it…

President Trump's Trip to the Philippines

“President Trump celebrated the 50th anniversary of ASEAN and the 40th anniversary of United States-ASEAN ties, including by releasing a Joint Statement of the ASEAN-United States Commemorative Summit. The leaders welcomed enhanced United States-ASEAN cooperation on maritime security issues, including through the first-ever United States-ASEAN Maritime Exercise in 2018. President Trump attended the EAS, the region’s premier leaders-led forum for addressing the Indo-Pacific’s most pressing political and security issues, and rallied international cooperation to address shared regional challenges, including the South China Sea, counterterrorism, and…

Remarks by President Trump at 5th U.S.-ASEAN Summit

"I speak to you on behalf of 350 million Americans with a message of friendship and partnership. I'm here to advance peace, to promote security, and to work with you to achieve a truly free and open Indo-Pacific, where we are proud and we have sovereign nations, and we thrive, and everybody wants to prosper. This year we mark 40 years of friendship and cooperation between the United States and this organization. It's a long time. I also want to congratulate ASEAN on 50 years…

U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations on Tool Chests and Cabinets from China and Vietnam

"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of imports of tool chests and cabinets from the People’s Republic of China (China) and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (Vietnam). [...] In 2016, imports of tool chests and cabinets from China and Vietnam were valued at an estimated $230 million and $77 million, respectively."

President Trump's Meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi

"President Donald J. Trump met today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India in Manila, Philippines. The two leaders discussed the comprehensive strategic partnership between the United States and India and their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. They pledged to enhance their cooperation as Major Defense Partners, resolving that two of the world’s great democracies should also have the world’s greatest militaries. President Trump expressed appreciation that Indian purchases of oil from the United States have surpassed 10 million barrels in…

President Trump's Meeting with Australian Prime Minister Turnbull and Japanese Prime Minister Abe

"President Donald J. Trump met with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan today in Manila, Philippines. The three leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining maximum pressure on North Korea in the effort to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. They also discussed expanded security cooperation for enhanced deterrence and defense against North Korean aggression. President Trump, Prime Minister Turnbull, and Prime Minister Abe underscored the importance of working together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The three leaders…

U.S. Department of Commerce Finds Dumping and Subsidization of Imports of Hardwood Plywood Products from China

"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative final determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations of imports of hardwood plywood products from the People’s Republic of China (China). The Commerce Department determined that exporters from China sold hardwood plywood products in the United States at 183.36 percent less than fair value. Commerce also determined that China is providing unfair subsidies to its producers of hardwood plywood products at rates ranging from 22.98 to 194.9 percent."

President Trump's Meeting with Philippine President Duterte

"U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte met in Manila, Philippines on November 13, 2017, to discuss a broad range of shared interests and priorities. Both leaders praised the enduring United States-Philippines Alliance, built on a strong foundation of shared values, sacrifices, and history, and bolstered by common interests, people-to-people ties, and full respect for legal and diplomatic processes. They pledged to expand cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the bilateral alliance—a 70-year partnership that has stood the test of time…

Remarks by President Trump at 5th U.S.-ASEAN Summit

"I'm honored to represent the United States of America at this U.S.-ASEAN Commemorative Summit. We gather today at a time of great promise and great challenge. I speak to you on behalf of 350 million Americans with a message of friendship and partnership. I'm here to advance peace, to promote security, and to work with you to achieve a truly free and open Indo-Pacific, where we are proud and we have sovereign nations, and we thrive, and everybody wants to prosper. This year we mark…

Remarks by President Trump Before Bilateral Meeting with Vietnamese President Quang - North Korea and China

"The North Korean situation continues to be a problem. I think that China -- as you know, we saw -- we were in China yesterday and the day before. And President Xi, I think, is going to be a tremendous help. I hope Russia, likewise, will be a tremendous help. I think they can make a big difference. I know that South Korea and Japan are very much unified in the sense that they want to be able to take care of a problem that's…

Remarks by President Trump Before Bilateral Meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Phuc

"Important to me is trade, because right now we have a very substantial trade imbalance with Vietnam -- approximately $32 billion, which is a tremendous amount of money. And we have to take care of our American companies and we have to take care of American workers. And perhaps the administrations previous to me didn’t like the subject, understand the subject -- something was wrong -- because there are so many problems having to do with trade imbalance. So we want to get that straightened…

Joint Statement between the United States of America and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

"At the invitation of President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Tran Dai Quang, President of the United States of America Donald J. Trump paid a state visit to Hanoi, Vietnam, from November 11 to12, 2017. The two leaders discussed measures to strengthen and expand the Comprehensive Partnership between their two countries based on mutual understanding, shared interests, and a common desire to promote peace, cooperation, prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening ties on the basis of…

President Trump's Trip to Vietnam

"The United States and Vietnam released a Joint Statement sending a clear message to the region of close and expanding cooperation and coordination between the two nations. The United States and Vietnam reached an agreement for the United States to acquire land in Hanoi to construct a new embassy compound, a tangible example of the growing partnership between the two nations. The two nations concluded a new Three Year Plan of Action for Defense Cooperation, which will increase bilateral naval activities. The United States formally…

Remarks by President Trump and Vietnamese President Quang

"Our decades-long joint humanitarian efforts with the Vietnamese people and government to account for and recover personnel still missing -- so important to us -- from the war honors these horrors of this horrendous war. We want our servicemembers support -- and we give total support to the families, and we strengthen the foundation of our comprehensive partnership. That is so important to us. [...] Moving forward, I welcome Vietnam’s commitment to eliminating trade barriers for U.S. agricultural products. It's very important. We must ensure…

Remarks by President Trump in Press Gaggle Abroad Air Force One - China and Trade

"And on trade, you know, it was -- most of the news covered it fairly. Some didn't. When I said it's not your fault -- because I was saying how China has been hurting us on trade for many decades, for many years -- and it really is. It's not his fault. We should have been doing that. But we didn't do it. It's the fault of the administrations that preceded me. And we're not going to do that anymore; we're going to be very…

President Trump's Participation in the 25th APEC Summit

“President Trump and other APEC leaders underlined APEC’s crucial role in support of a trading system that is free and open, but also fair. APEC leaders recognized the importance of reciprocal and mutually advantageous trade and investment frameworks, and committed to work together to address unfair trade practices. The President and his counterparts urgently called for the removal of market-distorting subsidies and other types of support by governments and related entities. President Trump delivered a strong public message at the APEC CEO Summit that the…

President Donald J. Trump's State Visit to China

"From November 8th through 10th, China hosted President Donald J. Trump on an official state visit, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. President Trump and President Xi had candid and in-depth conversations about United States-China relations, as well as international and regional issues of mutual concern. The two presidents affirmed that the United States-China relationship is shaped by shared interests and a common commitment to addressing global challenges. Both leaders committed to expand areas of cooperation and generate positive outcomes for the benefit…

President Trump's Visit to China

“President Trump and President Xi reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the goal of full, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and stated they will not accept the DPRK as a nuclear weapons state. […] The two sides had a candid and constructive exchange of views on regional security and maritime issues and reaffirmed the importance of reducing the risk between our two militaries while maintaining the longstanding American commitment to free and open navigation for all nations. […] The President underscored the importance…

Remarks by President Trump at APEC CEO Summit-Da Nang, Vietnam

"I am so thrilled to be here today at APEC, because this organization was founded to help achieve that very purpose. America stands as a proud member of the community of nations who make a home on the Pacific. We have been an active partner in this region since we first won independence ourselves. [...] We have been friends, partners, and allies in the Indo-Pacific for a long, long time, and we will be friends, partners, and allies for a long time to come. As…

President Trump's Remarks on US-China Trade Imbalances

Remarks by President Trump at Business Event with Chinese President Xi

"As we all know, America has a huge annual trade deficit with China -- a number beyond anything what anybody would understand. This number is, shockingly, hundreds of billions of dollars each year. Estimates are as high as $500 billion a year. We must immediately address the unfair trade practices that drive this deficit, along with barriers to market success. We really have to look at access, forced technology transfer, and the theft of intellectual property, which just, by and of itself, is costing the…

U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Final Countervailing Duty Determinations on Biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia

"Today, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative final determinations in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigations of imports of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia. Commerce determined that Argentina and Indonesia are providing unfair subsidies to its producers of biodiesel at rates from 71.45 to 72.28 percent and 34.45 to 64.73 percent, respectively. As a result of today’s decision, Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect cash deposits from importers of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia based on the…

Remarks by President Trump and Chinese President Xi - North Korea

"Today, President Xi -- we discussed our mutual commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea. We agreed not to replicate failed approaches of the past -- and there were many. We agreed on the need to fully implement all U.N. Security Council resolutions on North Korea and to increase economic pressure until North Korea abandons its reckless and dangerous path. All responsible nations must join together to stop arming and financing -- and even trading with -- the murderous North Korean regime. Together, we…

Remarks by President Trump and Chinese President Xi - Trade

"In addition to improving the safety and security of our citizens, President Xi and I discussed improving our economic relationship. We want a vibrant trade relationship with China. We also want a fair and reciprocal one. Today, I discussed with President Xi the chronic imbalance in our relationship as it pertains to trade, and the concrete steps that we'll jointly take to solve the problem of the massive trade distortion. This includes addressing China’s market access restrictions and technology transfer requirements, which prevent American companies…

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross Announces Hundreds of Billions in Deals Between U.S. Companies and Chinese Entities

"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the signing of approximately a quarter trillion dollars in deals facilitated by the Department of Commerce between private U.S. businesses and Chinese entities. The agreements, most of which occurred as part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s 2017 U.S. CEO Delegation to China, will bring thousands of new jobs to America."

Joint Press Release by the US and South Korea

"On November 7-8, President Donald J. Trump made the first state visit to the Republic of Korea by a United States President in 25 years. The President participated in an official state dinner at the Cheongwadae and his third bilateral summit with Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in, addressed the National Assembly, and met with American and South Korean military service members. President Trump laid a wreath at the National Cemetery honoring those South Koreans who gave their lives to defend and support their country…

President Donald Trump's Visit to South Korea

“The United States and Republic of Korea urged North Korea to abandon its illicit weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs that deepen its diplomatic and economic isolation. The United States and Republic of Korea reaffirmed their commitment to the Maximum Pressure Campaign to bring North Korea back to the path of denuclearization. President Trump emphasized the United States’ priority of defending the Republic of Korea against North Korean aggression, and reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to enhancing United States strategic asset…

Remarks by President Trump at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea

"Through this entire visit, it has been both our pleasure and our honor to create and celebrate a long friendship between the United States and the Republic of Korea. This alliance between our nations was forged in the crucible of war, and strengthened by the trials of history. From the Inchon landings to Pork Chop Hill, American and South Korean soldiers have fought together, sacrificed together, and triumphed together. [...] Anyone who doubts the strength or determination of the United States should look to our…

Remarks by President Trump and Korea's President Moon in Response to North Korea's Missile Launch

"North Korea's sixth test of a nuclear device and its missile launches are a threat not only to the people of South Korea but to the people all across our globe. We will together confront North Korea's actions and prevent the North Korean dictator from threatening millions of innocent lives. He is indeed threatening millions and millions of lives so needlessly. North Korea is a worldwide threat that requires worldwide action. We call on every responsible nation, including China and Russia, to demand that the…

Remarks by President Trump and President Moon of the Republic of Korea at State Dinner

"We'd like to do much more business with South Korea, where South Korea is going to order a lot more. But the good news is, you will be ordering. I mean, we've already worked on that. And through our representatives, the amount of [military] equipment and things that you'll be ordering from the United States will be very substantially increased and therefore we'll be bringing the trade deficit way down, which is very important to our people. We have trade deficits with numerous countries, and…

President Trump's Meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Abe

“President Trump and Prime Minister Abe reiterated their strong commitment to boost trilateral cooperation with the Republic of Korea in the face of the North Korean threat on anti-submarine warfare, ballistic missile defense, mine sweeping, and information sharing. The United States has already conducted joint exercises with Japan and the Republic of Korea in 2017. The two leaders announced new avenues for engagement to improve aviation and maritime interoperability and coordination. President Trump and Prime Minister Abe reaffirmed their commitment to the realignment of the…

President Trump's Visit to Japan

“The United States and Japan reaffirmed their mutual commitment to promoting prosperity and development of the Indo-Pacific region by fostering a secure environment and developing high-standard rules. On November 7, 2017, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation will sign Memoranda of Understanding with Japanese partners to offer high-quality United States-Japan infrastructure investment alternatives in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States and Japan launched the Japan-United States Strategic Energy Partnership to promote universal access to affordable and reliable energy in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa…

Remarks by President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Abe

"The United States of America stands in solidarity with the people of Japan against the North Korean menace. History has proven over and over that strong and free nations will always prevail over tyrants who oppress their people. Our powerful and enduring U.S.-Japan alliance includes more than 50,000 members of the United States military stationed right here in Japan. In addition to that, we have 33,000 stationed in South Korea. American and Japanese military personnel train together, work together, and will stand together to defend…

Remarks by President Trump to U.S. and Japanese Business Leaders

"This morning, I am pleased to have an opportunity to discuss how we can strengthen and improve the economic ties between the United States and Japan. And I have to say, for the last many decades, Japan has been winning. You do know that. For the, actually, last 70 years, cooperation between our two countries has helped us to pioneer incredible advances in commerce, in science, medicine, and technology. Our students study together, our scholars exchange ideas, and business leaders like you work together to…