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 Vice President Pence at the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Lunar New Year Celebration
"THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you all very much for that very warm welcome. And on behalf of the President of the United States and the First Family: Welcome to the White House. (Applause.)
And join me in thanking an extraordinary leader. I just — as soon as I heard her voice, I had to jump out from behind the curtain. (Laughter.) She is not only the 18th Secretary of Transportation, but frankly, she is one of the most distinguished public servants in the United…
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Secretary Esper's Remarks at the CSIS Global Security Forum - China, North Korea, and Alliances in the Indo-Pacific
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Australia National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I would like to congratulate the Australian people on the occasion of Australia Day on January 26.
The U.S.– Australia relationship is an admirable example of how two countries can work together to bring peace, stability, and prosperity to our people and the world. The tragic loss of life and property from the devastating Australian wildfires saddens us deeply. The surge in donations from Americans concerned about their Australian friends and the warm reception…
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Readout from Secretary Esper's Minister with New Zealand Minister of Defence Ron Mark
"Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper met today with New Zealand Minister of Defence Ron Mark at the Pentagon.
Secretary Esper and Minister Mark discussed bilateral defense relations and reviewed pressing regional and global security issues. The meeting reinforced the close relationship between New Zealand and the United States, one of our closest and most reliable partners.
Secretary Esper and Minister Mark committed to continued close cooperation and collaboration on a wide range of defense and security priorities."
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Presidential Message on Lunar New Year, 2020
"Melania joins me in sending our warmest greetings to people in the United States and throughout the world celebrating the Lunar New Year.
On this occasion, we join millions around the globe in welcoming the Year of the Rat and embracing a new year filled with opportunities to make a positive impact in the lives of others. As those of Asian heritage celebrate this special time of year through fireworks, food, and fellowship with loved ones, we wish them happiness, health, and prosperity in the…
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Celebrating the Lunar New Year
"I send my best wishes to all our friends around the world, celebrating the Lunar New Year on January 25.
As the Year of the Rat represents the beginning of a new day, let us use this opportunity to renew our commitment to shared resilience and partnership, as we work together to build a world of prosperity and opportunity for all."
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks at the Sumter County Fairgrounds in Bushnell, Florida - China
"Last week, you saw a winning trade deal with China. (Applause.) President Trump had just a simple way of thinking about this, which is: Well, this relationship’s just not fair. When an American company wanted to go sell their products in China – when I was a small business owner, I saw this – it was really hard to do. When an American company wanted to go invest in China, it was really difficult to do. But when China wanted to come here, we made…
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Secretary Pompeo With Greg Cassidy of The Bob Rose Show with Greg Cassidy, WSKY-FM Gainesville - China
"QUESTION: And also, I know you met with some of the Costa Rican leaders as well, and in – I think it was – had to do with Chinese influence. I also saw a story recently where there was a large development that they had tried to get underway for some years now involving Frank Biden, the brother of the former vice president. Does any of these things – are there connections between any of these things? Because Joe Biden was, of course, in charge…
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The United States Imposes Further Sanctions on Iran’s Petrochemical Industry
"Today, the United States is taking new steps as part of our maximum economic pressure campaign to deny the Iranian regime all sources of revenue to fund its destabilizing activities. The Department of State is imposing sanctions on Chinese company Shandong Qiwangda Petrochemical Co. Ltd., Hong Kong-based Triliance Petrochemical, and Hong Kong entity Jiaxiang Industry Hong Kong Limited for knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, or transport of petrochemical products from Iran, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13846. We are…
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Secretary Pompeo With Kevin Cirilli of Bloomberg - China
"QUESTION: Oh, and before embarking this trip. And all throughout this region, I’ve seen Huawei buildings, I’ve seen Huawei phones, and what’s your – how do you convince our allies in this region and all throughout the region to not go that route?
SECRETARY POMPEO: There’s not much convincing that needs to be done about the threat from the Chinese Communist Party. They all understand it. Our task is to make sure that the risks are known to these leaders. I talked about it with…