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 Pompeo's Meeting With Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi
"Today, Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Singapore. Secretary Pompeo underscored the importance of pursuing a constructive U.S.-China relationship that produces meaningful results. He emphasized our shared commitment to the final, fully verified denuclearization of the DPRK, as agreed upon by Chairman Kim, as well as the importance of continued implementation of all related UN Security Council Resolutions. Secretary Pompeo also discussed additional priorities in our bilateral relationship, such as U.S. concerns about China's…
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Secretary Pompeo's Interview With Lin Xueling of Channel NewsAsia - Trade
"America is always going to be a great partner for Asia, Southeast Asia in particular. It’s great to be back here in Singapore; I’ve had fantastic meetings all day with my counterparts, talking about America’s commitment to making sure that we had a free, fair, open Indo-Pacific. With respect to trade, that’s what we’re looking for too. We want every country to rise. We want each nation to have the opportunity to trade, to buy American goods, to sell goods into America. These are the…
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Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
"Today in Singapore, Secretary Pompeo met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and reaffirmed the enduring U.S.-Singapore strategic partnership. They also discussed shared priorities during Singapore’s 2018 ASEAN chairmanship, trade and investment in the Indo-Pacific region, and continued cooperation on regional challenges, including the DPRK and South China Sea."
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Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad
"Secretary Pompeo met with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir to congratulate the new government and all of the Malaysian people on competitive elections and the peaceful transition of authority between governments. They discussed ways to work together to strengthen the U.S.-Malaysia Comprehensive Partnership based on shared democratic values, including advancing mutual security and economic interests across the Indo-Pacific."
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Malaysian Minister of Defence Mohamad bin Sabu
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met today with Malaysian Minister of Defence Mohamad bin Sabu on the sidelines of the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ 17th Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, in Singapore. This was the first meeting between the two, and after Secretary Mattis congratulated him on his recent appointment they reaffirmed building upon a foundation of strong U.S.-Malaysian defense ties by providing an opportunity for both to share perspectives on security challenges facing Southeast Asia. The two leaders discussed…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi
"On June 2, Secretary Mattis met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ 17th Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, in Singapore. The two discussed the importance of the U.S.-India relationship, and the role of both nations in cooperating to uphold international laws and principles and to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Prime Minister and Secretary pledged to continue the strong U.S.-India strategic partnership and affirmed their commitment to maintaining peace…
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Secretary Mattis' Remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue - Indo-Pacific Strategy
"So, make no mistake, America is in the Indo-Pacific to stay. This is our priority theater, our interests, and the regions are inextricably intertwined. Our Indo-Pacific strategy makes significant security, economic, and development investments, ones that demonstrate our commitment to allies and partners in support of our vision of a safe, secure, prosperous, and free Indo-Pacific based on shared principles with those nations, large and small. Ones who believe their future lies in respect for sovereignty and independence of every nation, no matter its size…
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Secretary Mattis' Remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue - ASEAN
"Central among these, of course, is ASEAN and the institutions it created, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus, and the East Asia Summit, as well as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, and trilateral and multilateral mechanisms of like-minded partners. A central element of our strategy is strengthening of our alliances and partnerships in terms of mutual benefit and trusted relationships. We are committed to working by, with, and through allies and partners to address common challenges, to enhance shared capabilities…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Singaporean Minister of Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis met with the Singapore Minister of Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen on June 1 on the sidelines of the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ 17th Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, a major annual defense and security forum in the Indo-Pacific region. During their meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the U.S.-Singapore defense relationship and discussed efforts to strengthen cooperation, to include counterterrorism and maritime security. Secretary Mattis thanked Dr. Ng for Singapore’s…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Lorenzana
"The two leaders [Secretary Mattis and Secretary Lorenzana] held in depth discussions on the U.S.-Philippines Alliance and the two nations’ growing bilateral defense relationship. Secretary Mattis reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the 67-year old alliance and emphasized the need to build upon the interoperability the two countries militaries have achieved through extensive and regularly planned annual training events. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is undergoing modernization. Secretary Mattis pledged U.S. support for this initiative, and reiterated the importance of ensuring the two militaries enhance…