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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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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."
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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…
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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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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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On the Occasion of Vesak Day
"On behalf of the United States of America, I wish Buddhist communities everywhere, and all those who observe, a joyous and peaceful Vesak.
Today as we reflect on the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, we remember and seek to uphold the timeless, universal principles of compassion, peace, and tolerance that are fundamental to the expression of the Buddhist faith.
Buddhist traditions offer a rich heritage that continue to enrich the world with their spiritual, intellectual, and cultural contributions today.
Today, in celebration of Vesak…