The Trump Administration & US - Indo-Pacific Relations

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.

Methodology

All Posts

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."

Secretary Pompeo's Remarks at the U.S.-ASEAN Ministerial

"The United States is a Pacific nation, and we remain committed to ASEAN centrality under our Indo-Pacific strategy. Earlier this week, on Monday, I gave remarks on the Indo-Pacific and announced new United States commitments to the region. This included a $113 million down payment on a new era in U.S. economic commitment to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. Last year, we celebrated ASEAN’s 50th anniversary, as well as 40 years of U.S.-ASEAN relations. We look forward to broadening and deepening our Strategic Partnership…

Secretary Pompeo's Remarks at the Lower Mekong Initiative Ministerial

"Allow me to highlight a few of our recent successes and new programs under the LMI [Lower Mekong Initiative]. Our flagship education program, Connecting the Mekong through Education and Training, has given over 44,000 students access to opportunities to learn innovative skills in high demand in the private sector. Another training opportunity comes in the form of the U.S.-Singapore Third Country Training Program, which continues to strengthen ASEAN’s capacity to address modern challenges ranging from cybersecurity to waste management. Our U.S. Department of Agriculture will…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Secretary Mattis' Remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue - Taiwan

"The Department of Defense remains steadfastly committed to working with Taiwan to provide the defense articles and services necessary to maintain sufficient self-defense consistent with our obligation set out in our Taiwan Relations Act. We oppose all unilateral efforts to alter the status quo, and will continue to insist any resolution of differences accord with the will of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait."

Secretary Mattis' Remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue - South Korea

"I would tell you that any discussion about the number of U.S. troops in the Republic of Korea is subject to -- one, the Republic of Korea's invitation to have them there and the discussions between the United States and the Republic of Korea -- separate and distinct from the negotiations that are going on with DPRK. They have -- that issue will not come up in the discussions with DPRK and as you all recognize; those troops are there as a recognition of a…

Secretary Mattis' Remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue – North Korea

"In Northeast Asia, the dynamic security environment continues to underscore the importance of our robust alliance and partner relationships. On the Korean Peninsula, we hold the line with our ally, supporting our diplomats who lead this effort. Our objective remains the complete, verifiable, and irreversible nuclear -- denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and the international community is in alignment here, as evidenced by multiple unanimous United Nations Security Council resolutions. Beyond North Korea, we are focused on modernizing our alliance with both the Republic of…

Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee

"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Singapore on June 1 on the sidelines of the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ 17th Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue. During their meeting, the Secretary and Prime Minister reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Singapore. Secretary Mattis underscored that Singapore is a trusted strategic partner. The two leaders exchanged views on the regional security environment and discussed a range…