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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U.S. Department of Commerce Defers the Issuance of the Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determination on Aluminum Foil from the People's Republic of China
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department will defer issuing its preliminary determination in the antidumping duty (AD) investigation on aluminum foil from China. The deferral will allow the Commerce Department to fully analyze information pertaining to China’s status as a non-market economy (NME) country, which is being contemplated within the context of this AD investigation."
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President Trump's Call with Japanese Prime Minister Abe
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, who called to express his condolences to all of the victims and others affected by the senseless shooting in Las Vegas. The two leaders committed to continue close coordination on a range of issues, including North Korea, in advance of the President’s visit to Japan in November."
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Remarks by President Trump and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha
"We've had a long and very storied history with Thailand. In fact, we were just mentioning that Andrew Jackson, who is on the wall, was the president when we first developed the big relationship. So we have a very strong relationship right now, as of this moment, and it's getting stronger in the last nine months. We've done a lot of things together, and it is a tremendous -- it's really very good to have you with us. [...] I do want to say that…
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Joint Statement between the US and the Kingdom of Thailand
“The President of the United States of America Donald J. Trump welcomed the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand General Prayut Chan-o-cha to the White House today to reaffirm the importance of the enduring alliance between the United States and Thailand and to discuss their shared commitment to promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The two leaders shared the view that the long friendship and close cooperation that have existed between their two countries and peoples for almost two…
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USTR Lighthizer Statement on the Conclusion of the Second Special Session of the U.S.-Korea FTA Joint Committee
"U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer today released the following statement on the conclusion of the second special session of the U.S.-Korea (KORUS) Free Trade Agreement. Ambassador Lighthizer and Korean Trade Minister Hyun-chong Kim co-chaired the meeting today at the offices of the U.S. Trade Representative in Washington, DC.'I initiated Joint Committee discussions at the direction of the President to improve outcomes under this agreement for all Americans. I now look forward to intensified engagement with Korea in an expeditious manner to resolve outstanding implementation issues…
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Secretary Ross Remarks on the US-China Trade Relationship
"We do need major change, and I hope and I believe that we’ve made that clear to the Chinese government, because the relationship is too lopsided at present [...] The most important thing is better market access both for companies operating there physically and for companies exporting there [...] We can understand that they would desire self-sufficiency and if the way they get there is through a free and open level playing field, and it’s a fair match, we’re fine with that [...] Now we’re…
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Press Conference with Secretary Mattis and Indian Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitharaman
"U.S.-India defense cooperation has steadily expanded in recent years, underpinned by a strategic convergence between our two countries based on common objectives and goals in the region. This cooperation will benefit both economies, while reducing legacy trust issues between our two democracies. The United States' designation of India as a major defense partner reflects the progress made in strengthening our cooperation. This designation recognizes India as a pillar of regional stability and security, and it reflects our desire for a long-term strategic partnership in the…
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Secretary Ross' Meetings with Chinese Officials
"On September 25, Secretary Wilbur Ross and Ambassador Terry Branstad met separately with Premier Li Keqiang, Vice Premier Wang Yang, NDRC Chairman He Lifeng, Director of the Party Central Economic and Financial Affairs Leading Small Group Liu He, and MIIT Minister Miao Wei. The Secretary also met with his counterpart, Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan, on the evening of September 24. The meetings provided opportunities to prepare the ground for President Trump's planned visit to Asia later this fall and to engage in a friendly…
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President Trump's Meeting with Korean President Moon
"President Donald J. Trump met in New York with President Moon Jae-in of South Korea to discuss the serious and escalating threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. The two presidents condemned in the strongest terms North Korea’s continued provocations, including its sixth nuclear test on September 3 and is two recent launches of ballistic missiles over Japan. The leaders stressed the importance of faithful and thorough implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 2371 and 2375. The two leaders also agreed that maximum…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Australian Minister Payne
"On September 20, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis hosted Australian Minister of Defense Marise Payne for a bilateral meeting to discuss our robust defense relationship and the regional security challenges we continue to face. [...]The two leaders also discussed concerns about destabilizing actions in the South China Sea and the threat posed by North Korea. They emphasized the importance of the international community coming together to hold Kim Jong-Un's regime accountable and pressuring North Korea to give up their illegal nuclear weapons program. Secretary Mattis…
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Remarks by the Vice President to the UN Security Council
"At this very moment in Southeast Asia, we see heartbreak and assaults on human rights and innocent civilians that's ultimately endangering the sovereignty and security of the entire region. In recent weeks, the people of my country and the wider world have witnessed a great tragedy unfolding in Burma with the Rohingya people. Recently, Burmese security forces responded to militant attacks on government outposts with terrible savagery -- burning villages, driving the Rohingya from their homes. The images of the violence and its victims have…
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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Countervailing Duty Determination on Cold-Drawn Mechanical Tubing from China and India
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigations, finding that exporters of cold-drawn mechanical tubing from China and India received countervailable subsidies of 33.31 to 35.69 percent, and 3.04 percent and 8.09 percent, respectively."
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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Countervailing Duty Determination on Cold-Drawn Mechanical Tubing from China and India
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigations, finding that exporters of cold-drawn mechanical tubing from China and India received countervailable subsidies of 33.31 to 35.69 percent, and 3.04 percent and 8.09 percent, respectively."
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Media Availability With Secretary Mattis
"What we've done with the sanctions is we are putting the leader in North Korea in a position to be aware that the international community, voting unanimously twice now in the United Nations Security Council, seeing the increasing diplomatic isolation that comes with it, comes with the economic sanction that there's a penalty to be paid for ignoring international concerns and norms."
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President Trump's Call with Chinese President Xi
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Xi Jinping of China to discuss North Korea’s continued defiance of the international community and its efforts to destabilize Northeast Asia. The two leaders committed to maximizing pressure on North Korea through vigorous enforcement of United Nations Security Council resolutions."
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U.S. Department of Commerce Initiates Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Investigations of Imports of Titanium Sponge from Japan and Kazakhstan
"U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross has announced the initiation of new antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations to determine whether imports of titanium sponge from Japan and Kazakhstan are being unfairly dumped in the United States, and whether producers in Kazakhstan are receiving alleged unfair subsidies. [...] In 2016, imports of titanium sponge from Japan and Kazakhstan were valued at an estimated $144.8 million and $374 thousand, respectively."
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Secretary Mattis' Call with Japanese Minister of Defense Onodera
"Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke by phone with his Japanese counterpart Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera on the evening of 14 September following the latest North Korean missile launch. The secretary reassured his Japanese counterpart of America's unwavering commitment to the defense of Japan and the broader security of the region. Secretary Mattis and Minister Onodera agreed that the North Korean provocation called for a strong demonstration of a unified front between the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, and agreed on…
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President Trump's Meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib
"The President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, hosted the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak, at the White House to strengthen the Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries as they mark the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations. The United States and Malaysia share a long history of close cooperation built on economic ties and mutual security interests. The two leaders pledged to continue building upon that relationship through enhanced diplomatic, economic, security, and people-to-people ties. President Trump and Prime Minister Najib…
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Secretary Mattis' Call with Japanese Minister of Defense Onodera
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke today by telephone with Japanese Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera to discuss North Korea's test of a nuclear device on September 2. Secretary Mattis and Minister Onodera both condemned the test as a destabilizing provocation that threatens both regional and global security. Secretary Mattis underscored that the United States' commitment to defend Japan, including the U.S. extended deterrence commitment, remains ironclad. Secretary Mattis also underscored the United States would work with Japan to enhance its ballistic missile defense capabilities…
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Secretary Mattis' Call with Korean Minister of Defense Song
"On September 5, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo to discuss North Korea's test of a nuclear device on September 2. Secretary Mattis assured Minister Song that the United States remains ironclad in its commitment to the defense of the ROK. He further emphasized that any threat to the United States, its territories, or its allies will be met with a massive, effective, and overwhelming military response. Secretary Mattis and Minister Song discussed…
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U.S. Department of Commerce Initiates Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Investigations of Imports of Stainless Steel Flanges from China and India
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the initiation of new antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations to determine whether imports of stainless steel flanges from China and India are being dumped in the United States, and whether producers in China and India are receiving alleged unfair subsidies."
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President Trump's Call with Australian Prime Minister Turnbull
"President Donald J. Trump spoke yesterday with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia to discuss North Korea’s claimed test of a hydrogen bomb on September 3. The two leaders condemned North Korea’s belligerent actions and confirmed that their two countries will intensify joint efforts to denuclearize North Korea. President Trump reaffirmed his commitment to defending the homeland, territories, and allies of the United States, using all available diplomatic and military capabilities. The two leaders also discussed a range of global issues of mutual concern."
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U.S. Department of Commerce Initiates Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Investigations of Imports of Stainless Steel Flanges from China and India
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the initiation of new antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations to determine whether imports of stainless steel flanges from China and India are being dumped in the United States, and whether producers in China and India are receiving alleged unfair subsidies."
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President Trump's Call with Korean President Moon
President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Moon Jae-in of South Korea to discuss the allied response to North Korea’s claimed September 3 test of a hydrogen bomb. Both leaders underscored the grave threat that North Korea’s latest provocation poses to the entire world. The two leaders agreed to maximize pressure on North Korea using all means at their disposal. They also pledged to strengthen joint military capabilities. President Trump gave his in-principle approval to South Korea’s initiative to lift restrictions on their missile…
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Secretary Mattis Statement at the White House
"We made clear that we have the ability to defend ourselves and our allies – South Korea and Japan – from any attack. And our commitments among the allies are ironclad. Any threat to the United States, or its territories – including Guam – or our allies will be met with a massive military response – a response both effective and overwhelming. Kim Jong Un should take heed the United Nations Security Council’s unified voice – all members unanimously agreed on the threat North Korea…
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President Trump's Call with Japanese Prime Minister Abe
"President Donald J. Trump spoke with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to discuss North Korea’s claimed test of a hydrogen bomb, on September 3. The two leaders condemned North Korea’s continued destabilizing and provocative actions, confirmed the two countries’ ironclad mutual defense commitments, and pledged to continue close cooperation. President Trump reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to defending our homeland, territories, and allies using the full range of diplomatic, conventional, and nuclear capabilities at our disposal."
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President Trump's Call with Japanese Prime Minister Abe
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to discuss ongoing efforts to maximize pressure on North Korea. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of close cooperation between the United States, Japan, and South Korea in the face of the growing threat from North Korea. President Trump noted that he looks forward to continued trilateral coordination on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly."
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USTR Lighthizer Initiates Special 301 Out-of-Cycle Review for Thailand, Welcomes Commerce Minister Apiradi
"U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer today announced an Out-of-Cycle Review (OCR) of Thailand’s Special 301 status due to positive steps the country has taken regarding intellectual property (IP). In the 2017 Special 301 report, USTR placed Thailand on the Priority Watch List but noted that the United States was prepared to review that status if Thailand continued to take positive action on IP issues and made substantial progress in addressing the concerns described in the Special 301 report. The Trump Administration has been closely engaging…
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USTR Lighthizer Meets with Malaysian Minister of Trade and Industry
"U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer met with Malaysian Minister of Trade and Industry Mustapa Mohamed yesterday ahead of President Trump’s meeting with Prime Minister Najib. During the meeting, Ambassador Lighthizer and Minister Mustapa discussed ways to further strengthen their trade relationship. They directed their staffs to make further progress in addressing specific issues being discussed under the U.S.-Malaysia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, including on insurance and financial services, intellectual property, agriculture, goods, labor, and environment. The two Ministers agreed to stay in close touch…
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USTR Lighthizer Announces Second Special Session of the U.S.-Korea FTA Joint Committee
"United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer today announced the second special session of the Joint Committee under the U.S.-Korea (KORUS) Free Trade Agreement. The first special session took place on August 22, 2017 in Seoul, South Korea. The second special session will be held in Washington, DC on October 4, 2017."
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President Donald Trump's Call with Korean President Moon
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Moon Jae-in of South Korea to discuss our coordinated response to North Korea’s continued destabilizing and escalatory behavior. They discussed the close and continuing cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Japan to address this issue, following up on the recent meetings between the national security advisors of each country. President Trump and President Moon pledged to continue to apply strong diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea and to make all necessary preparations to deter…
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Secretary Mattis' Call with Japanese Minister of Defense Onodera
"Yesterday, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke by telephone with Japanese Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera to discuss North Korea’s missile launch on August 28. Secretary Mattis and Minister Onodera both agreed that this launch is an unacceptable act that undermines security and stability in the region. Secretary Mattis reaffirmed that the United States’ defense commitments to Japan remain ironclad, including its extended deterrence commitment. Secretary Mattis also underscored the United States’ commitment to assist Japan in enhancing its ballistic missile defense capabilities in the…