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 Remarks on US-China Trade Imbalances

"The problem we have with China is that for decades they've been -- you know, it's been a very unfair -- let me be very kind to previous administrations -- it's been a very unfair trade situation. Our trade deficit is massive. It's hundreds of billions of dollars a year, anywhere from $350 billion to $504 billion, and that doesn't include intellectual property. And we've already started discussions with China because it has to come down. It has to come down. And that has to…

Remarks by President Trump to Servicemembers at Yokota Air Base

“For almost 60 years, the military alliance we see on this base has endured -- a cornerstone of sovereignty, security, and prosperity for our nations, this region, and indeed the entire world. Today, we pay tribute to that legacy -- a legacy you protect and grow each and every day. […] Here in Japan, we have seen the amazing things that are possible when a people are free and independent. Over the course of a single lifetime, the Japanese people have built one of the…

President Trump's Interview with Laura Ingraham

"Well, you know Japan is a warrior nation. And I tell China and I tell everyone else that, listen, you’re going to have yourself a big problem with Japan pretty soon if you allow this to continue with North Korea. [...] Well, look, they’re an ally – they’re an ally. The Prime Minister is a very good friend of mine. Prime Minister Abe – I’ve become very close. I’ve become very, very, close to President Xi of China. I think a lot of good things…

U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Countervailing Determinations on Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from the People’s Republic of China and India

"U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigations, finding that exporters of fine denier polyester staple fiber from the People’s Republic of China (China) and India received countervailable subsidies of 41.73 to 47.64 percent and 7.18 to 9.86 percent, respectively. [...] In 2016, imports of fine denier polyester staple fiber from China and India were valued at an estimated $79.4 million, $14.8 million, respectively."

U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Countervailing Determinations on Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from the People’s Republic of China and India

"U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigations, finding that exporters of fine denier polyester staple fiber from the People’s Republic of China (China) and India received countervailable subsidies of 41.73 to 47.64 percent and 7.18 to 9.86 percent, respectively. The Commerce Department will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of fine denier polyester staple fabric from China and India based on these preliminary rates. In 2016, imports of fine…

President Trump's Call with Indian Prime Minister Modi

"Today, President Donald J. Trump spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and accepted his condolences following the October 31 terrorist attack in New York City. Prime Minister Modi strongly condemned terrorism, and offered thoughts and prayers for the victims and their families. The two leaders resolved that India and the United States will continue to fight together against the global scourge of terrorism."

USTR Lighthizer Statement on the President's New Paradigm for US-Indo-Pacific Trade

"The President spoke loud and clear: the era of trade compromised by massive state intervention, subsidies, closed markets and mercantilism is ending. Free, fair and reciprocal trade that leads to market outcomes and greater prosperity is on the horizon. President Trump understands that too many nations talk about free trade abroad, only to shield their economies behind tariff and non-tariff barriers at home. The United States will no longer allow these actions to continue, and we are willing to use our economic leverage to pursue…

USTR Lighthizer Statement on WTO Dispute on Indonesia's Agricultural Restrictions

“This is a significant win for U.S. farmers and ranchers. Given Indonesia’s market size and U.S. competitiveness, we should be selling many more agricultural products to Indonesian consumers. The Trump Administration will continue to use all our tools, including WTO dispute settlement and other mechanisms, to ensure that world-class U.S. agricultural products get fair access to markets around the world.”

President Trump's Call with Japanese Prime Minister Abe

"President Donald J. Trump spoke yesterday with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to discuss President Trump’s upcoming travel to Japan. Both leaders affirmed the importance of promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region and maintaining close coordination between the United States and Japan, and with the international community, to maximize pressure on North Korea."

Secretary Mattis' Trip to Thailand

"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis visited Bangkok, Thailand on October 25-26 as President Trump's Special Envoy to the Royal Cremation of His Late Majesty, King Bhumipol Adulyadej. Secretary Mattis was deeply honored to lead the Presidential Delegation, and extended his profound condolences on behalf of the American people. He emphasized the United States will always remember King Bhumipol as a lifelong champion of the Thai people and of the U.S.-Thai Alliance. His many legacies, including 70 years of innovative work, diplomacy, and selfless service, will…

Secretary Mattis' Meetings with South Korean Officials

"On October 26, 2017, in separate meetings in Seoul, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met with Republic of Korea (ROK) President Moon Jae-in, ROK National Security Advisor Chung Eui-yong, and ROK Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-Hwa ito discuss regional and global security issues, including the threat posed by North Korea. In each meeting, the leaders reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-ROK alliance, and noted the importance of a strong military to support the diplomatic efforts of the international community to achieve their shared goal…

Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Indonesian Minister of Defense Ryamizard

"On October 25, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met with Indonesian Minister of Defense Ryamizard Ryacudu on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Clark, Pampanga, Republic of the Philippines.‎ The two leaders exchanged views on regional security and emphasized the need for continued ASEAN centrality and cooperation to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific that safeguards the rules-based international order. The Secretary shared Minister Ryamizard’s concerns regarding violent extremism, particularly the threat posed by ISIS and other terrorist organizations. The two…

U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determination on Aluminum Foil from the People’s Republic of China

"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determination in this antidumping duty (AD) investigation, finding that exporters of aluminum foil from the People’s Republic of China (China) sold their product at prices that resulted in preliminary dumping margins of 96.81 percent to 162.24 percent to be applied, based on factual evidence provided by the interested parties using the Department’s standard non-market economy dumping methodology."

Joint Statement from Secretary Ross and Minister Prabhu on the U.S.-India Commercial Dialogue

"On October 27, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Minister of Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabhu met to discuss the U.S.-India commercial relationship and launch their first session of the U.S.-India Commercial Dialogue. Upon noting the impressive three-fold increase in total U.S.-India trade since 2005, both sides affirmed the significant strategic and economic importance of the U.S.-India relationship in promoting joint economic growth, job creation, and prosperity. While highlighting many areas of progress, both principals also noted the need to lower barriers and committed to…

Joint News Conference with Secretary Mattis and South Korean Defense Minister Song

"I'm here to underscore America's priority commitment for a bilateral alliance, and make clear the Trump administration's full commitment to the United Nations mission for the defense of your democracy, standing as it does as a bedrock countering DPRK's efforts to destabilize this region and be a threat to the world. [...] The United States stands by its commitments, and we stand with our allies. The people of this thriving democracy [South Korea], our alliance is a testimonial to our mutual commitment and respect.[...] North…

Remarks by Secretary Mattis and Korean Defense Minister Song at the DMZ [Demilitarized Zone], South Korea

"And I'm here today to reaffirm the United States' ironclad commitment to the South Korean people. This visit today to this demilitarized zone portrays in very strong terms the difference we see between two nations. To the south lies a vibrant country, a vibrant economy, a free country, and it's underpinned by peace-loving members of a free society. Behind me to the north, an oppressive regime that shackles its people, denying their freedom, their welfare and their human dignity in pursuit of nuclear weapons in…

Remarks to Airmen at Minot Air Force Base by Vice President Pence

"In the face of ongoing threats and provocations by the regime in North Korea, I can assure you the United States will continue to marshal economic and diplomatic pressure to demand that North Korea abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. President Trump has made clear that the United States has, in his words, 'great strength and patience,' all options are on the table. Our enemies should never doubt the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Anyone who would threaten…

USTR Lighthizer Statement on the US-India Bilateral Trade Policy Forum

"'Our work under the Trade Policy Forum focused on achieving progress towards a more balanced trade relationship. U.S.-India trade has grown significantly in the last few years and has the potential to span every sector of the economy. To increase reciprocal trade, we will continue to seek to identify and address trade barriers related to goods, including manufactured and agriculture, services and intellectual property rights. The U.S. objective is to increase trade flows between our two countries and to decrease our bilateral trade deficit. I…

Department of Commerce Investigates China and Taiwan

"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the initiation of new antidumping duty (AD) investigations to determine whether imports of forged steel fittings from China, Italy and Taiwan are being dumped in the United States, and a countervailing duty (CVD) investigation to determine whether producers of forged steel fittings in China are receiving alleged unfair subsidies."

Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Indian Minister of Defence Sitharaman

"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met with Indian Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitharaman October 25 on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines.‎ Both agreed on the importance of a rules-based international order in which all nations are able to prosper, and the need to work together against the common threat of terrorism. The two discussed a range of initiatives to strengthen U.S.-India defense cooperation and enhance India’s leadership role in the Indo-Pacific. In particular, the two emphasized the…

President Trump's Call with Chinese President Xi

"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Xi Jinping of China, on the occasion of the closing of China’s Party Congress, to welcome continued cooperation of the two countries in the years ahead. President Trump told President Xi he looks forward to visiting China in early November, and to advancing joint efforts to denuclearize North Korea."

Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Malaysian Minister of Defense Hishammuddin

"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met today with Malaysian Minister of Defense Hishammuddin Tun Hussein on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) convened in Clark, the Philippines. The secretary and Minister Hishammuddin exchanged views on regional security and emphasized the need for continued ASEAN centrality to address shared security challenges facing Southeast Asia. The two leaders discussed the importance of a free and open Indo-Asian Pacific that safeguards freedom of navigation through a rules-based international order. Secretary Mattis and Minister Hishammuddin agreed…

U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations on Carbon and Alloy Steel Wire Rod from Italy, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom

"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of carbon and alloy steel wire rod (wire rod) from Italy, Korea, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, finding that producers/exporters in these countries have sold carbon and alloy steel wire rod in the United States at less than fair value."

Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Philippine President Duterte

"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met Oct. 24 with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) that convened in Clark, the Philippines. They discussed the strength of the U.S.-Philippines relationship and Secretary Mattis reaffirmed our ironclad commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Alliance. Secretary Mattis and President Duterte exchanged views on the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific built on the foundations of a shared rules-based international order. Secretary Mattis reaffirmed U.S. resolve to stand by its long-time…

Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Lorenzana

"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met Oct. 24 with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) convened in Clark, the Philippines. The two leaders discussed the depth and breadth of the U.S.-Philippines relationship, including the enduring people-to-people ties between the two nations. Secretary Mattis reaffirmed the United States' ironclad commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Alliance and the importance of strengthening defense capabilities through regular bilateral training and exercises. Secretary Mattis and Secretary Lorenzana exchanged views on…

Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Vietnamese Minister of National Defense Lich

"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met with Vietnam Minister of National Defense Ngo Xuan Lich on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines. The two leaders exchanged views on regional security and emphasized the need for continued ASEAN cooperation to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. They also reaffirmed their intention to deepen the bilateral defense relationship, particularly in the area of maritime security, and highlighted progress made since their August meeting in Washington. Secretary Mattis underscored the United…

Secretary Mattis' ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus [ADMM-Plus] Meeting

"Secretary Mattis ‎reaffirmed the United States' commitment to allies and partners across the region, and to a free and open Indo-Pacific, which includes a strong ASEAN that speaks with one voice on regional and global issues. The secretary stressed the importance of international cooperation to pressure North Korea in order to realize the shared goal of complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. Secretary Mattis congratulated the Philippines on its recent successes against ISIS in the southern Philippines. To improve counterterrorism cooperation among ASEAN…

Secretary Mattis' ASEAN Informal Meetings

"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met today with his ten ASEAN counterparts on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines to discuss mutual security challenges and our strong multilateral defense cooperation. They exchanged views on regional security, and Secretary Mattis emphasized the need for continued cooperation in the international community to apply greater diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea to fully implement all U.N. Security Council resolutions. Meeting participants also‎ emphasized the need for continued ASEAN unity to address…

United States-Japan-Republic of Korea Defense Ministerial Meeting Joint Press Statement

"U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera, and Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo convened the 9th Trilateral Defense Ministerial Meeting in Clark, Philippines on October 23 on the margins of the 2017 Association of Southeast Asian Nations Defense Ministerial Meeting Plus. During the meeting, they held substantive discussions on North Korea, the regional security situation, and deepening security cooperation. [...] The Ministers called on North Korea to abandon its unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs in a…

Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Japanese Minister of Defense Onodera

"Secretary Mattis reaffirmed that Article 5 of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands and that the United States will continue to oppose any unilateral action that seeks to undermine Japan’s administration of these islands. Both Secretary Mattis and Minister Onodera expressed serious concern about the situation in the South China Sea and reaffirmed their opposition to unilateral coercive actions by claimants, including the reclamation and militarization of disputed features, which alter the status quo and increase tensions. Secretary Mattis and Minister Onodera…

Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Korean Minister of National Defense Song

"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met with Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo in Clark, Philippines on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministerial Meeting Plus to discuss regional and global security issues, including the threat posed by North Korea. Secretary Mattis and Minister Song reaffirmed the U.S.-ROK alliance is the linchpin of peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. They agreed to continue discussions in Seoul at the 49th U.S.-ROK Security Consultative Committee, scheduled for October 28, 2017."

Remarks by President Trump and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee

"The United States and Singapore share a profound belief in a society built on a foundation of law. A nation ruled by law provides the greatest security for the rights of citizens and the best path to shared and lasting prosperity. Both the United States and Singapore understand the unmatched power of private enterprise to uplift the human condition. These values have made our societies stronger, sustained our partnership through the Cold War, and laid a critical foundation for our lasting relationship today. Our common…

President Trump's Call with Japanese Prime Minister Abe

"President Donald J. Trump spoke yesterday with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to congratulate him on his recent electoral victory. The two leaders underscored the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and a strong United States-Japan alliance. President Trump reaffirmed his desire to continue working closely with Prime Minister Abe, and said he looks forward to visiting Japan in early November."

Media Availability With Secretary Mattis En Route to the Republic of the Philippines

"We will be participating, my party and I in the ASEAN defense ministers’ meeting. It will be an opportunity to recognize ASEAN now for 50 years of promoting peace and stability in the region. They have done a very good job of it. Nations coming of age, many years finding, finding, basically a foundation where they can discuss things. And it also marks 40 years of friendship and cooperation between ASEAN and the United States. [... ] ASEAN provides an international venue, giving voice to…

President Trump's Call with New Zealand Prime Minister-Designate Ardern

"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with Prime Minister-Designate Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand to congratulate her on her recent election as prime minister. The two leaders underscored the importance of the bilateral partnership between the United States and New Zealand and pledged to continue close cooperation on the many priorities the two countries share."

[Then CIA Director] Pompeo's Remarks at Foundation for Defense Democracies

U.S. Department of Commerce Initiates Antidumping Duty Investigations into China and India

"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the initiation of new antidumping duty (AD) investigations to determine whether imports of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin from the People’s Republic of China (China) and India are being dumped in the United States, and a countervailing duty (CVD) investigation to determine whether producers of PTFE resin in India are receiving alleged unfair subsidies."

Commerce Investigations Towards India and China

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the initiation of new antidumping duty (AD) investigations to determine whether imports of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin from the People’s Republic of China (China) and India are being dumped in the United States, and a countervailing duty (CVD) investigation to determine whether producers of PTFE resin in India are receiving alleged unfair subsidies."

President Trump's Interview with Forbes - North Korea

[Responding to a question about current policy towards North Korea and whether he had undermined Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's attempts at diplomacy] "There's not that much room left. There's not that much room left. Look, this should have been taken care of by four or five previous administrations. It certainly should have been taken care of over the last eight years. And every year makes it a more difficult situation. And right now, I mean President Obama told me--sitting right there, the two of…