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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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…
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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…
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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."
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Secretary Esper's Remarks on China's Conduct in the South China Sea During Program with The Brookings Institution
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Readout of Secretary Esper’s Phone Call With Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono
"On April 24, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper spoke with Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono by phone to discuss bilateral coordination on the response to COVID-19, regional security issues and threats to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region, and continued cooperation to implement U.S. forces realignment initiatives."
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Secretary Esper's Phone Call With Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto
"Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper spoke with his Indonesian counterpart, Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto, on the phone today to discuss COVID-19. Both leaders offered sympathies to those affected by COVID-19 in the United States and in Indonesia. Secretary Esper thanked Minister Prabowo and his government for their leadership in responding to COVID-19 and asked how else the United States might help. Minister Prabowo conveyed his government's gratitude to the United States for its first tranche of support to Indonesia, including $2.3 million…
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Readout of Secretary Esper's Phone Call With Indian Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh
"Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper spoke with his Indian counterpart, Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh, over the phone today. During the call, the two leaders discussed bilateral defense priorities, including ongoing regional cooperation and initiatives to enhance military-to-military engagement and defense trade. They also discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and underscored their commitment to close communication during this period in order to maintain momentum on initiatives that reinforce our comprehensive global partnership. Secretary Esper expressed his appreciation for India's leadership in coordinating COVID-19 related…