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
All Posts
Text
The President’s Executive Order on Hong Kong Normalization
"By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-393), the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 (Public Law 116-76), the Hong Kong Autonomy Act of 2020, signed into law July 14, 2020, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), section 212(f) of the Immigration…
Text
Remarks by President Trump in Press Conference - China
"Today, I signed legislation and an executive order to hold China accountable for its oppressive actions against the people of Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Autonomy Act, which I signed this afternoon, passed unanimously through Congress. This law gives my administration powerful new tools to hold responsible the individuals and the entities involved in extinguishing Hong Kong’s freedom. We’ve all watched what happened. Not a good situation. Their freedom has been taken away. Their rights have been taken away. And with it, goes Hong Kong…
Text
Welcoming the United Kingdom Decision To Prohibit Huawei From 5G Networks
"We welcome news that the United Kingdom plans to ban Huawei from future 5G networks and phase out untrusted Huawei equipment from existing networks. With this decision, the UK joins a growing list of countries from around the world that are standing up for their national security by prohibiting the use of untrusted, high-risk vendors. We will continue to work with our British friends on fostering a secure and vibrant 5G ecosystem, which is critical to Transatlantic security and prosperity.
The momentum in favor of…
Text
U.S. Position on Maritime Claims in the South China Sea
"The United States champions a free and open Indo-Pacific. Today we are strengthening U.S. policy in a vital, contentious part of that region — the South China Sea. We are making clear: Beijing’s claims to offshore resources across most of the South China Sea are completely unlawful, as is its campaign of bullying to control them.
In the South China Sea, we seek to preserve peace and stability, uphold freedom of the seas in a manner consistent with international law, maintain the unimpeded flow of…
Text
2020 Singapore General Election
"The United States congratulates the people of Singapore on the country’s 13th general election on July 10 and congratulates Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong and the People’s Action Party on their victory.
The United States and Singapore have enjoyed more than 50 years of valuable partnership since we established diplomatic relations in 1966. Our friendship is deeply rooted in our shared values and a common desire for peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. We look forward to working with the newly elected…
Text
Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Between the United States and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
"July 11 marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Over the last quarter century, our two countries have built a partnership and friendship founded on shared interests, mutual respect, and people-to-people ties. Our everyday interactions are highlighted by increasing trade and investment ties, strategic cooperation, and collaboration on humanitarian and legacy of war issues, including the solemn duty of accounting for our wartime missing. In recent years, we have strengthened and…
Text
Secretary Michael Pompeo At a Press Briefing on Current U.S. Foreign Policy - Indo-Pacific
"SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you. Look, I’ll be very brief because I want to take as many questions as I can. Thank you all for joining me on the call today. I know there’s – be a wide range of questions that will span the entire security situation all across the globe. I thought I’d highlight just a couple things.
First, the challenge that is presented to the people of Hong Kong who have been denied the central commitments that the Chinese Communist Party had made…
Text
Kiribati National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States, I congratulate the people of Kiribati as you celebrate your National Day on July 12.
The hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic have proven a challenge for us all. As we adapt to a changed world and shape its future for the better, we look forward to working with partners such as Kiribati that have long shared our core values of democracy, human rights, and respect for all. Our 1983 Treaty of Friendship, which dates to the…
Text
The United States Imposes Sanctions and Visa Restrictions in Response to the Ongoing Human Rights Violations and Abuses in Xinjiang
"The United States will not stand idly by as the CCP carries out human rights abuses targeting Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, and members of other minority groups in Xinjiang, to include forced labor, arbitrary mass detention, and forced population control, and attempts to erase their culture and Muslim faith.
I am designating three senior CCP officials under Section 7031(c) of the FY 2020 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, for their involvement in gross violations of human rights: Chen Quanguo, the Party…
Text
Secretary Pompeo at a Press Availability - China
"SECRETARY POMPEO: [...] I want to start today with the Chinese Communist Party.
As with all unelected, communist regimes, Beijing fears its own people’s free thinking more than any foreign foe.
We were deeply troubled to learn this week that the CCP detained Xu Zhangrun for criticizing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s repressive regime and the CCP’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He should be released. He was simply telling the truth. He should be released as soon as possible.
I’ll repeat a theme I’ve been…
Text
Mongolia National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my best wishes to the people of Mongolia on the opening of the Naadam festival on July 11.
As strategic partners and Third Neighbors, the United States and Mongolia enjoy a strong partnership bound by common interests, shared democratic values, and respect for human rights and the rule of law.
On this occasion for celebration, I wish the people of Mongolia a wonderful Naadam."
Text
Five Years of Injustice Following China’s 709 Crackdown
"On July 9, five years ago the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched a nationwide offensive targeting hundreds of defense lawyers and human rights defenders for detention, interrogation, and politically motivated criminal charges. The “709” crackdown, named for the date it began on July 9, 2015, was designed to intimidate a generation of lawyers and activists from representing or assisting anyone the CCP perceives as a threat to its absolute power. It showed the world what it means to govern via “rule by law,” rather than…
Text
Australia-Japan-United States Defense Ministers’ Meeting Joint Statement
"Australian Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds, Japanese Minister of Defense KONO Taro, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper convened a virtual trilateral defense ministerial meeting on July 7 (Washington). The ministers reaffirmed their joint commitment to enhance security, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region in keeping with their shared values and longstanding alliances and close partnerships. This was the ninth meeting among the three nations’ defense leaders.
The ministers concurred that the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of a rules-based international order in…
Text
Secretary Esper Message to the Force on Accomplishments in Implementation of the National Defense Strategy - China
"First, one of our top ten goals – the priority that drives and underlies many of our efforts today – is to focus the Department on China. To do this, we established a China Strategy Management Group to push that agenda forward. I also directed the National Defense University to refocus its curriculum by dedicating 50 percent of the coursework to the PRC, and I tasked the Military Departments and Services to make China the pacing threat in all of our schools, programs, and training."
Text
Implementing Visa Restrictions Under the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act
"The United States seeks fair, transparent, and reciprocal treatment from the People’s Republic of China for our citizens. We have taken several steps to further this goal. Unfortunately, Beijing has continued systematically to obstruct travel to the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) and other Tibetan areas by U.S. diplomats and other officials, journalists, and tourists, while PRC officials and other citizens enjoy far greater access to the United States.
Therefore, today I am announcing visa restrictions on PRC government and Chinese Communist Party officials determined to…
Text
Secretary Pompeo With Tony Perkins of Washington Watch - China
"QUESTION: Well, let me just start with a very pointed question. Is there anything that you could hear about China that would shock you at this point?
SECRETARY POMPEO: When you stare at General Secretary Xi’s actions and put – and just lay them down against the most fundamental human rights, the most unalienable rights that we know each of us has because we’re made in the image of God, there’s an enormous mismatch. And whether – you referenced what’s taking place in Xinjiang –…
Text
On the CCP’s Orwellian Censorship of Hong Kong
"The Chinese Communist Party’s destruction of free Hong Kong continues. With the ink barely dry on the repressive National Security Law, local authorities – in an Orwellian move – have now established a central government national security office, started removing books critical of the CCP from library shelves, banned political slogans, and are now requiring schools to enforce censorship.
Until now, Hong Kong flourished because it allowed free thinking and free speech, under an independent rule of law. No more. The United States condemns Beijing’s…
Text
Secretary Pompeo With Laura Ingraham of Fox News - China
"QUESTION: What will their China policy look like? From what you know now, with what Biden believes that the real threat to the United States and the culture wars that are – what can we expect as Americans as a policy toward China if that likelihood would come to pass?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Laura, I think we know because we have eight years of history with President Obama and Vice President Biden’s China policy. They did nothing, whether it was on the important issues we’re facing…
Text
Solomon Islands National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Solomon Islands as you celebrate your National Day on July 7.
While the COVID-19 pandemic means the commemorations will be different this year, the United States looks forward to beginning another year of friendship with Solomon Islands. Our partnership continues to grow as we engage in more cultural and professional exchanges, expand our security cooperation, and execute on our development assistance commitments. The announcement late last year of the…
Text
Secretary Pompeo at a Press Availability - China
Now, turning to the substance of my remarks today, and I want to talk about one of the world’s most unfree countries.
Yesterday the Chinese Communist Party implemented its draconian national security law on Hong Kong, in violation of commitments that it made to the Hong Kong people and to the United Kingdom, in a UN-registered treaty – and in contravention of Hong Kongers’ human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Free Hong Kong was one of the world’s most stable, prosperous, and dynamic cities. Now it…
Text
Commerce Releases Xinjiang Supply Chain Business Advisory
"The Department of Commerce, along with the Departments of State, the Treasury, and Homeland Security, are issuing a business advisory to highlight risks and considerations for businesses with supply chain exposure to entities engaged in forced labor and other human rights abuses in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region in the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
“China continues to commit brutal human rights abuses against ethnic minorities from Xinjiang, including operating dystopian surveillance systems and employing the contemptible practice of forced labor,” said Secretary of Commerce…
Text
Issuance of the Xinjiang Supply Chain Business Advisory
"Today, the U.S. Department of State, along with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is issuing an advisory to caution businesses about the risks of supply chain links to entities that engage in human rights abuses, including forced labor in Xinjiang and elsewhere in China.
Since 2017, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has ramped up its campaign of systematic repression of Uyghurs and members of other Muslim minority groups that includes widespread arbitrary…
Text
Secretary Pompeo With Bret Baier of Fox News Special Report - China
"QUESTION: For more on China, Hong Kong, and America’s role in the world, joining me now, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Mr. Secretary, thanks for being here.
SECRETARY POMPEO: Bret, thanks for having me on this evening. Great to be with you again.
QUESTION: We just heard you talk about the companies, American companies, warning them to keep forced labor out of their supply chains, pointing directly at China and these concentration camps, as described by the Defense Department. Will we see investigations and prosecutions…
Text
On Beijing’s Imposition of National Security Legislation on Hong Kong
"The Chinese Communist Party’s decision to impose draconian national security legislation on Hong Kong destroys the territory’s autonomy and one of China’s greatest achievements. Hong Kong demonstrated to the world what a free Chinese people could achieve – one of the most successful economies and vibrant societies in the world. But Beijing’s paranoia and fear of its own people’s aspirations have led it to eviscerate the very foundation of the territory’s success, turning “One Country, Two Systems” into “One Country, One System.”
The CCP’s action…
Text
U.S. Government Ending Controlled Defense Exports to Hong Kong
"The Chinese Communist Party’s decision to eviscerate Hong Kong’s freedoms has forced the Trump Administration to re-evaluate its policies toward the territory. As Beijing moves forward with passing the national security law, the United States will today end exports of U.S.-origin defense equipment and will take steps toward imposing the same restrictions on U.S. defense and dual-use technologies to Hong Kong as it does for China.
The United States is forced to take this action to protect U.S. national security. We can no longer distinguish…
Text
On China’s Threats to Impose Visa Restrictions on U.S. Officials
"The Chinese Communist Party’s crackdown on Hong Kong prompted the United States to retool its relationship with the territory. The Chinese Communist Party’s threats to retaliate by restricting visas for U.S. citizens exposes once again how Beijing refuses to take responsibility for its own choices. If China wants to regain the trust of Hong Kongers and the international community, it should honor the promises it made to the Hong Kong people and to the United Kingdom in the U.N.-registered 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration."
…
Text
Statement Secretary Ross on Revocation of Hong Kong Special Status
"With the Chinese Communist Party’s imposition of new security measures on Hong Kong, the risk that sensitive U.S. technology will be diverted to the People’s Liberation Army or Ministry of State Security has increased, all while undermining the territory’s autonomy. Those are risks the U.S. refuses to accept and have resulted in the revocation of Hong Kong’s special status.
Commerce Department regulations affording preferential treatment to Hong Kong over China, including the availability of export license exceptions, are suspended. Further actions to eliminate differential treatment…
Text
Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Momen
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-Bangladesh relationship and discuss our continued cooperation to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Momen reviewed the more than $43 million in COVID-19 assistance that the United States has provided thus far to Bangladesh and discussed Bangladesh’s critical role in the international response to the pandemic by manufacturing emergency medical and protective supplies. Secretary Pompeo commended Foreign Minister Momen for Bangladesh’s…
Text
Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Gunawardena
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to reaffirm our partnership with the people of Sri Lanka and our commitment to supporting the country’s development and sovereignty. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Gunawardena discussed our mutual interest in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic and shared commitment to economic stability and sustainable growth. The two leaders also discussed the United States’ ongoing COVID-19 assistance to Sri Lanka, which totals almost $6 million to date, and reviewed the longstanding U.S.-Sri…
Text
On China’s Coercive Family Planning and Forced Sterilization Program in Xinjiang
"The world received disturbing reports today that the Chinese Communist Party is using forced sterilization, forced abortion, and coercive family planning against Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang, as part of a continuing campaign of repression. German researcher Adrian Zenz’s shocking revelations are sadly consistent with decades of CCP practices that demonstrate an utter disregard for the sanctity of human life and basic human dignity. We call on the Chinese Communist Party to immediately end these horrific practices and ask all nations to join the…
Text
U.S. Department of State Imposes Visa Restrictions on Chinese Communist Party Officials for Undermining Hong Kong’s High Degree of Autonomy and Restricting Human Rights
"President Trump promised to punish the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials who were responsible for eviscerating Hong Kong’s freedoms. Today, we are taking action to do just that.
The CCP has stepped up efforts to undermine Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy by announcing Beijing’s authority to “supervise” Hong Kong’s governance, accusing at least one member of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council of misconduct, and moving to unilaterally and arbitrarily impose national security legislation on Hong Kong. Beijing’s continued actions undermine its commitments and obligations in…
Text
A New Transatlantic Dialogue
"SECRETARY POMPEO: [...] I’m starting to see even more realism on the continent as it relates to the threat of the Communist Party in China. We should address that challenge together – as transatlantic partners have met many challenges. And that’s what I want to focus on today.
First, data. The truth. We need to acknowledge what’s happening.
I spoke this month with the EU foreign ministers, and then last Friday at an audience in Copenhagen. In both places, I listened to a lot of…
Text
The 70th Anniversary of the Korean War
"June 25th marks the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. The United States will never forget those from the United States, the Republic of Korea (ROK), and other countries under the United Nations Command who laid down their lives in the name of our shared values of freedom and democracy. The U.S. commitment to the defense of the ROK remains ironclad. The alliance continues to work toward our shared goals of securing peace, stability, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and the…
Text
Secretary Pompeo At a Press Availability on the Release of the 2019 Country Reports on Terrorism
"SECRETARY POMPEO: Good morning, everyone. Good to be with you all today. I want to start my remarks, as I often do, on matters relating to China.
As many of you saw, I met with Yang Jiechi last week in Hawaii.
We had a very frank discussion about the Chinese Communist Party’s unprovoked aggression on a number of fronts and I pressed him for more transparency on COVID for the good of the world.
We’re concerned by Beijing’s behavior and we’re not the only ones…
Text
Joint Statement in Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Outbreak of the Korean War by Secretary Esper and Republic of Korea Minister of Defense Jeong Kyeong-doo
"Today, the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) recognize and commemorate the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. On this day in 1950, the U.S.-ROK military alliance was born of necessity and forged in blood, as brave U.S. and ROK service members from a world apart banded together based on shared values and common purpose. This formidable force was soon augmented by service members from 16 partner nations who answered the call to preserve freedom and democracy under the auspices…
Text
The Tide is Turning Toward Trusted 5G Vendors
"The tide is turning against Huawei as citizens around the world are waking up to the danger of the Chinese Communist Party’s surveillance state. Huawei’s deals with telecommunications operators around the world are evaporating, because countries are only allowing trusted vendors in their 5G networks. Examples include the Czech Republic, Poland, Sweden, Estonia, Romania, Denmark, and Latvia. Recently, Greece agreed to use Ericsson rather than Huawei to develop its 5G infrastructure.
Some of the largest telecom companies around the globe are also becoming “Clean Telcos.”…
Text
Memorandum on Protecting the United States Lobster Industry
"By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Policy. On May 22, 2018, the United States Trade Representative (Trade Representative) concluded an investigation under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2411), finding that China had engaged in multiple unreasonable and discriminatory trade practices that had harmed American intellectual property rights, innovation, and technology development. In response to China’s unfair…
Text
Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Nepali Foreign Minister Gyawali
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Nepali Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali to reaffirm the U.S.-Nepal relationship, including ongoing cooperation to address shared challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Gyawali reviewed the $7.3 million in COVID-19 assistance that the United States has provided to date to Nepal, which builds on the $600 million in health programming assistance that the United States has provided over the past two decades, and the two leaders pledged to remain in contact on…
Text
Empty Promises from the People’s Republic of China in Africa
"The American people continue to stand with our partners across Africa in confronting the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve invested more than $100 billion in public health sectors in sub-Saharan Africa over the last 20 years and more than $360 million in COVID-19 response so far. This is what a long-term partnership committed to building a healthier, more prosperous Africa looks like. Our government, U.S. philanthropists, and American businesses invest so heavily in Africa’s health because a healthy population makes Africa — and…
Text
Secretary Pompeo With Hugh Hewitt of The Hugh Hewitt Show - China and Taiwan
QUESTION: All right. Let me ask you about one particular charge, the most troubling charge by Ambassador Bolton: Did the President in any way condone or encourage General Secretary Xi’s concentration camps for the Uyghurs, on whose behalf you’ve spoken – you personally have spoken frequently and forcefully?
SECRETARY POMPEO: I have indeed. When I was in Central Asia, I had a chance to meet with Uyghurs who had family members that were in those camps in Western China. The President signed – while I…
Text
United States Stands with Canada Against China’s Arbitrary Detention of Canadian Citizens
"The United States is extremely concerned by the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) decision to proceed with formal charges against Canadian citizens Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. These charges are politically motivated and completely groundless. The United States stands with Canada in calling on Beijing for the immediate release of the two men and rejects the use of these unjustified detentions to coerce Canada. Additionally, we echo Canada’s call for immediate consular access to its two citizens, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular…
Text
Joint Statement: Five Eyes Defense Ministers’ Meeting
"The defense ministers/secretaries from the Five Eyes nations (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States) met via videoconference on 22 / 23 June.
Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to advance defense and security cooperation on matters of common interest to support and defend a stable, rules-based, global order that is increasingly being challenged.
Ministers recognized the role of regional partners and institutions in shaping globally and across the Indo-Pacific a stable and secure, economically resilient community, where the sovereign rights of all…
Text
Europe and the China Challenge
"I want to make a few brief remarks and then I’m looking forward to taking questions.
First: the idea that Europe is being forced to choose between the United States and China. I want to talk about that at some length.
Second: the belief that it’s costless to compromise your values.
Everywhere I go – everywhere I go, I talk to my counterparts and audiences like this about the reality of what we see in the world – especially in China. I’ve done it in…
Text
Readout of Secretary Esper's Phone Call With Thailand Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Prayut Chan-o-cha
"Secretary of Defense Mark Esper spoke with his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Prayut Chan-o-cha, on the phone today to discuss key bilateral issues within the Alliance. Secretary Esper thanked Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his government for their leadership in responding to COVID-19 and offered continued assistance from the United States. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha conveyed his government’s gratitude to the United States for its support, which has been led by the United States Agency for International Development, the Centers for…
Text
Letter from President Trump to Congress on the Continuing Threat Posed by North Korea
"Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days before the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency with respect to North Korea that…
Text
Transcript of President Trump’s Interview With The Wall Street Journal
[...] Mr. Trump: I don’t know. We’ll have a lot of jobs before November 3. I mean, all I can say is this: We will have created a lot of jobs prior to November 3. Tremendous number of jobs, a tremendous increase, I expect a tremendous increase in GDP. And we’ll be heading you know, for the top. We’ll be back. And we’ve had a lot of advantages, a lot of experience. We did it once and we’ll do it again. Bottom line is we…
Video
Ambassador Lighthizer's Testimony Before the House Ways and Means Committee Hearing on Trade Policy
Text
Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Chinese Communist Party Politburo Member Yang Jiechi
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Politburo Member Yang Jiechi in Honolulu, Hawaii to exchange views on U.S.-China relations. The Secretary stressed important American interests and the need for fully-reciprocal dealings between the two nations across commercial, security, and diplomatic interactions. He also stressed the need for full transparency and information sharing to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and prevent future outbreaks."
Text
G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement on Hong Kong
"We, the Foreign Ministers of the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the High Representative of the European Union underscore our grave concern regarding China’s decision to impose a national security law on Hong Kong.
China’s decision is not in conformity with the Hong Kong Basic Law and its international commitments under the principles of the legally binding, UN-registered Sino-British Joint Declaration. The proposed national security law would risk seriously undermining the “One Country, Two Systems” principle and the territory’s…
Text
Statement by President Trump on the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020
"Today, I have signed into law S. 3744, the “Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020” (the “Act”). The Act holds accountable perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses such as the systematic use of indoctrination camps, forced labor, and intrusive surveillance to eradicate the ethnic identity and religious beliefs of Uyghurs and other minorities in China. I note, however, that section 6(g) of the Act purports to limit my discretion to terminate inadmissibility sanctions under the Act. In some circumstances, this limitation could be…
Text
Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to North Korea
"On June 26, 2008, by Executive Order 13466, the President declared a national emergency with respect to North Korea pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the existence and risk of proliferation of weapons-usable fissile material on the Korean Peninsula. The President also found that it was necessary to maintain certain restrictions with respect to North Korea that would otherwise…
Text
Secretary Esper's Op-Ed in "The Straits Times" on US Indo-Pacific Policy
"As an Indo-Pacific nation, the United States is committed to ensuring the region remains free and open for all, and upholding the rules and norms that have secured prosperity for nations of all sizes.
In the year since the Department of Defence released the Indo-Pacific Strategy Report, we have made great strides across the three pillars of our strategy: preparedness, strengthening partnerships, and promoting a more networked region - but there is still much more work to be done.
First, under preparedness, we are prioritising…
Text
Secretary Esper's Phone Call With the Philippines Secretary of Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana
"Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper spoke by phone today with his Philippine counterpart, Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana. Secretary Esper wished Secretary Lorenzana a Happy Independence Day and reiterated his support for a strong and enduring U.S.-Philippine defense alliance. Secretary Esper expressed his support for the Philippines Government decision last week to suspend the Visiting Forces Agreement termination, and reiterated how the agreement benefits both countries. Further, Secretary Esper and Secretary Lorenzana discussed a range of regional security issues including impacts…
Text
Philippines Independence Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I wish the people of the Republic of the Philippines a happy and prosperous independence day on June 12.
The U.S.-Philippine alliance is fortified by our shared history, rich people-to-people ties, and deep bilateral cooperation. As we stood together during World War II and in the global fight against terrorism, our nations are partnering again to contain and mitigate COVID-19. Our friendship and cooperation stand as a model for ensuring peace, stability, prosperity, and…
Text
Press Availability on the Release of the 2019 International Religious Freedom Report - China
"And in China, state-sponsored repression against all religions continues to intensify. The Chinese Communist Party is now ordering religious organizations to obey CCP leadership and infuse communist dogma into their teachings and practice of their faith. The mass detentions of Uighurs in Xinjiang continues. So does the repression of Tibetans and Buddhists and Falun Gong and Christians. [...]
Speaking of China, last week I was humbled and honored to meet with several survivors of the Chinese Communist Party’s massacre at Tiananmen Square that happened 31 years…
Text
On China’s Attempted Coercion of the United Kingdom
"The United States stands with our allies and partners against the Chinese Communist Party’s coercive bullying tactics. In the latest example, Beijing has reportedly threatened to punish British bank HSBC and to break commitments to build nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom unless London allows Huawei to build its 5G network. Shenzhen-based Huawei is an extension of the Chinese Communist Party’s surveillance state.
The CCP’s browbeating of HSBC, in particular, should serve as a cautionary tale. Just last week, the bank’s Asia-Pacific CEO, Peter…
Text
Ambassador Lighthizer's Op-Ed in "Foreign Affairs" - China
"The principles of a worker-focused trade policy should be front and center as the United States confronts two of the most significant trade challenges it will face in the coming years: market-distorting state capitalism in China and a dysfunctional WTO.
No trade policy decision since the end of World War II proved more devastating to working people than the extension of permanent normal trade relations to China in 2000—a legal status entitling it to the lowest possible tariffs. Despite President Bill…
Text
Remarks by President Trump on the Jobs Numbers Report - China
"But we are doing something that — this was an important day because this shows that what we’ve been doing is right. And the reason it’s been and is so good is because the body was strong. Our body was so powerful that we could actually close our country, save millions of lives, stop people very early on, from China, from coming in — because we stopped early, at the end of January, very early, people coming from China, who were infected, coming into our…
Text
On the Chinese Communist Party’s Obscene Propaganda
"The Chinese Communist Party’s callous exploitation of the tragic death of George Floyd to justify its authoritarian denial of basic human dignity exposes its true colors yet again. As with dictatorships throughout history, no lie is too obscene, so long as it serves the Party’s lust for power. This laughable propaganda should not fool anyone.
The contrast between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) could not be more stark.
In China, when a church burns, the attack was almost certainly directed by…
Text
New Nasdaq Restrictions Affecting Listing of Chinese Companies
"The Trump Administration is committed to ensuring that all American businesses and investors can operate on a level playing field with the rest of the world. As part of this ongoing effort, I applaud Nasdaq for requiring auditing firms to ensure all listed companies comply with international reporting and inspection standards.
Nasdaq’s announcement is particularly important given a pattern of fraudulent accounting practices in China-based companies. To protect American investors and U.S. national security, President Trump moved to stop the investment of U.S. federal employee…
Text
Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Partners on COVID-19 - Australia, India, and South Korea
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Brazil, India, Israel, and the Republic of Korea. Secretary Pompeo and his counterparts discussed the importance of continued close coordination in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They noted the importance of close cooperation in reopening our economies and combatting disinformation, while also addressing the need for concerted efforts to prevent future pandemics."
Text
Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Tiananmen Square Survivors
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo was honored to meet yesterday with Wang Dan, Su Xiaokang, Liane Lee, and Henry Li – four of the thousands of brave participants in the heroic protests for democracy that were brutally put down by the Chinese Communist Party on June 4, 1989."
Text
Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, and UK Counterparts
"Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke yesterday with Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. They discussed our coordination on responding to urgent global challenges, including the PRC’s unilateral and arbitrary decision to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong; Iran’s destabilizing activities in Iraq and the Middle East; and the need for a transparent accounting into the origins of, and global response to, COVID-19. They also discussed coordination to…
Text
U.S. Limits the People’s Liberation Army’s Ability to Use Nonimmigrant Visa Programs to Illicitly Acquire U.S. Technologies and Intellectual Property
"On May 29 President Trump issued a proclamation that limits the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) ability to misuse nonimmigrant student and researcher visa programs. The Trump Administration is committed to achieving a fair and reciprocal relationship with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and also continues to value the important contributions of international students and researchers, including from China. However, the Administration is also committed to protecting our national and economic security. We will not tolerate PRC attempts to illicitly acquire American technology and intellectual…
Text
Secretary Pompeo With Maria Bartiromo of Fox News Sunday Morning Futures - China and Taiwan
"QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, let me switch gears and ask you about China. And here I want to take you back and really reiterate your background. You come from the world of intelligence. You, of course, are a West Point graduate, the finest military academy in the world. You were the head of the CIA. You were on the House Intel Committee when you were in Congress. You have been investigating China and zeroing in on behavior of China for 10 years. Can you assess the…
Twitter
Text
Remarks by President Trump in Roundtable Discussion with Industry Executives on Reopening - China
"Q Referencing your Rose Garden event, we see tensions with China over the virus, now over Hong Kong. Are we witnessing the start of a cold war between the United States and China?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, we’re certainly not happy with what happened with respect to China. They have a virus that started, and when it got out of control, perhaps — I assume that’s what happened; it got out of control, whichever way — and they stopped it from going to China, but they…
Text
Remarks by President Trump on Actions Against China
"THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Good afternoon. Thank you. I’m here today to talk about our relationship with China and several new measures to protect American security and prosperity.
China’s pattern of misconduct is well known. For decades, they have ripped off the United States like no one has ever done before. Hundreds of billions of dollars a year were lost dealing with China, especially over the years during the prior administration. China raided our factories, offshored our jobs, gutted our industries, stole our…
Text
Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Nonimmigrants of Certain Students and Researchers from the People’s Republic of China
"The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is engaged in a wide‑ranging and heavily resourced campaign to acquire sensitive United States technologies and intellectual property, in part to bolster the modernization and capability of its military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The PRC’s acquisition of sensitive United States technologies and intellectual property to modernize its military is a threat to our Nation’s long-term economic vitality and the safety and security of the American people.
The PRC authorities use some Chinese students, mostly post‑graduate students and post-doctorate…
Text
Secretary Esper's Phone Call With Indian Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh
"Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper spoke by phone today with his Indian counterpart, Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh. Secretary Esper conveyed condolences regarding the recent loss of life in West Bengal, India, due to Cyclone Amphan and the two leaders discussed ongoing cooperation on the COVID-19 pandemic. Secretary Esper and Minister Singh discussed a range of regional security issues and the Secretary expressed his firm commitment to India’s leadership across the Indo-Pacific. Secretary Esper reiterated his support for a strong and enduring U.S.-India…
Text
Samoa Independence Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I send my best wishes to the people of Samoa as you celebrate your Independence Day on June 1.
The United States and the Independent State of Samoa remain close and enduring partners in the Pacific. Our two countries support shared values of democracy, freedom, rule of law, and prosperity. Samoa has endured a difficult year marked by the deadly measles epidemic, and now the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States and Samoa worked together…
Text
Secretary Pompeo With Laura Ingraham of Fox News - China
"QUESTION: Joining us now is Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Mr. Secretary, thank you for joining us tonight. Your statement seemed to signal the beginning of a new era in U.S.-China relations, and can you tell us tonight, without getting ahead of the President, that this is a serious turn away for our – from our engagement with China to a much tougher approach to what they’ve done to Hong Kong?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Laura, it’s great to be with you. The statement that I made…
Text
Remarks by President Trump Announcing an Executive Order on Preventing Online Censorship - China and India
"Q Are you worried about the situation on the border between India and China?
THE PRESIDENT: Ah, India. He loves India so much. He’s never asked a question other than an India question, and that’s okay. I just got back from India, right?
Q I (inaudible) Indian, sir.
THE PRESIDENT: I just beat COVID.
Q You are very popular in India.
THE PRESIDENT: I got back — I know. And they like me in India. I think they like me in India certainly more than…
Text
PRC National People’s Congress Proposal on Hong Kong National Security Legislation
"Last week, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) National People’s Congress announced its intention to unilaterally and arbitrarily impose national security legislation on Hong Kong. Beijing’s disastrous decision is only the latest in a series of actions that fundamentally undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy and freedoms and China’s own promises to the Hong Kong people under the Sino-British Joint Declaration, a UN-filed international treaty.
The State Department is required by the Hong Kong Policy Act to assess the autonomy of the territory from China. After careful…
Text
Ambassador Lighthizer's Remarks on U.S.-China Phase One Agreement
"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) today announced additional progress in the implementation of the agriculture-related provisions of the U.S.-China Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement (The Agreement), which entered into force on February 14, 2020. Recent actions described below build upon the actions announced by USDA and USTR on February 25, March 10, and March 24. These are difficult times for both our countries. It is important that we each continue to…
Text
Secretary Esper's Remarks on China on the Hugh Hewitt Show
[Hugh Hewitt] HH: Let me begin with what Senator Rick Scott just told me. I asked him are we in Cold War 2.0, and the Senator responded absolutely concerning China. There’s no question about it. Do you agree, Secretary Esper, that Cold War 2.0 with China has begun?
[Mark Esper] ME: There’s certainly been a change in this country over the last few months after we’ve seen what China has done with regard to the Coronavirus. I think it’s the latest example of China once…
Text
P.R.C. Proposal To Impose National Security Legislation on Hong Kong
"The United States condemns the People’s Republic of China (PRC) National People’s Congress proposal to unilaterally and arbitrarily impose national security legislation on Hong Kong. The decision to bypass Hong Kong’s well-established legislative processes and ignore the will of the people of Hong Kong would be a death knell for the high degree of autonomy Beijing promised for Hong Kong under the Sino-British Joint Declaration, a UN-filed agreement.
Hong Kong has flourished as a bastion of liberty. The United States strongly urges Beijing to reconsider…
Text
The United States Designates Company Providing Services for Iranian Airline Mahan Air’s Operations in China
"The People’s Republic of China is one of the rapidly dwindling number of countries that welcomes Mahan Air, which ferries weapons and terrorists around the world for the Islamic Republic of Iran. Such cooperation has consequences.
Today, the United States designated Shanghai Saint Logistics Limited, a PRC-based company that provides general sales agent services for the Specially Designated Global Terrorist Iranian airline. The United States designated Mahan Air in 2011 under a counterterrorism authority for providing material support to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps –…
Text
Secretary Pompeo at a Press Availability - China and Taiwan
"I want to begin today with a few observations on China, because the media’s focus on the current pandemic risks missing the bigger picture of the challenge that’s presented by the Chinese Communist Party. First, basic facts. China’s been ruled by a brutal, authoritarian regime, a communist regime since 1949.
For several decades, we thought the regime would become more like us through trade, scientific exchanges, diplomatic outreach, letting them in the WTO as a developing nation. That didn’t happen.
We greatly underestimated the degree…
Text
Taiwan’s Inauguration of President Tsai Ing-wen
"I would like to congratulate Dr. Tsai Ing-wen on the commencement of her second term as Taiwan’s President. Her re-election by a huge margin shows that she has earned the respect, admiration, and trust of the people on Taiwan. Her courage and vision in leading Taiwan’s vibrant democracy is an inspiration to the region and the world.
The United States has long considered Taiwan a force for good in the world and a reliable partner. Support for Taiwan in the United States is bipartisan and…
Text
Remarks by President Trump on Supporting our Nation’s Farmers, Ranchers, and Food Supply Chain - China
"We eliminated crushing Washington regulations, kept our promise on ethanol, and replaced and negotiated our badly broken trade deals to finally give you a fair and level playing field. When China unfairly targeted our farmers, we provided $28 million [billion] in direct assistance. And it came from China, not from our government. And you know that happened, and they paid for it. We didn’t pay. You know, they have this misconception; they like to say this as much as possible.
China devalued their currency in…
Text
Secretary Pompeo's Remarks on Taiwan’s Exclusion from the World Health Assembly
"The United States condemns Taiwan’s exclusion from the World Health Assembly. At a time when the world continues to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic, we need multilateral institutions to deliver on their stated missions and to serve the interests of all member states, not to play politics while lives are at stake.
No one disputes that Taiwan has mounted one of the world’s most successful efforts to contain the pandemic to date, despite its close proximity to the original outbreak in Wuhan, China. This should…
Text
Timor-Leste’s National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as you celebrate your Restoration of Independence on May 20.
The United States and Timor-Leste enjoy a strong relationship bound by mutual respect and shared values and interests. As one of Asia’s newest democracies, Timor-Leste continues to be an inspiration to independent and democratic people everywhere. The United States is proud to partner with the people of Timor-Leste in your efforts to build a…
Text
Secretary Pompeo's Remarks on the 25th Anniversary of the Panchen Lama’s Disappearance
"The Department of State has made the promotion and protection of religious freedom a priority, especially in China, where people of all faiths face severe repression and discrimination. As part of that mission, on May 17, we marked the 25th anniversary of the disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who has not appeared in public since the PRC government abducted him in 1995, at age six.
The Pachen Lama is one of the most important figures in Tibetan Buddhism with spiritual authority…
Text
Secretary Pompeo's Statement Regarding American Journalists Based in Hong Kong
It has recently come to my attention that the Chinese government has threatened to interfere with the work of American journalists in Hong Kong. These journalists are members of a free press, not propaganda cadres, and their valuable reporting informs Chinese citizens and the world. Any decision impinging on Hong Kong’s autonomy and freedoms as guaranteed under the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law would inevitably impact our assessment of One Country, Two Systems and the status of the territory."
Text
Readout of Secretary Esper's Phone Call With Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono
"On May 15, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper spoke with Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono by phone to advance their ongoing discussions on the response to COVID-19, security issues in the Indo-Pacific region, and continued cooperation to implement U.S. forces realignment initiatives."