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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On Taiwan’s Election
"The United States congratulates Dr. Tsai Ing-wen on her re-election in Taiwan’s presidential election. We also congratulate Taiwan for once again demonstrating the strength of its robust democratic system, which—coupled with a free market economy and a vibrant civil society—makes it a model for the Indo-Pacific region and a force for good in the world.
The American people and the people on Taiwan are not just partners—we are members of the same community of democracies, bonded by our shared political, economic, and international values. We…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence at the Frederic V. Malek Memorial Lecture - China
"[...] I come here today to discuss a subject on which much of the destiny of the 21st century will hinge: the United States relationship with China.
Since the earliest days of this administration, President Trump has been determined to build a relationship with China on a foundation of candor, fairness, and mutual respect, in order to achieve, in his words, “a more just, secure, and peaceful world.”
One year ago this month, I spoke about many of Beijing’s policies most harmful to America’s interests…
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Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo On the Story With Martha McCallum of FOX News - China and Taiwan
"QUESTION: So what do you make of that? Now, that’s a pretty interesting story given what we’ve been watching unfold in Hong Kong.
SECRETARY POMPEO: So, Martha, I’ve seen those reports. I also know the history of China and its efforts in cyber space conducting cyber crime. This is another element of their efforts to manipulate data.
What we know is this: In Hong Kong, these are protesters who are simply seeking liberty and freedom. They’re asking only that China uphold its commitment, the promise…
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Remarks by President Trump Before Air Force One Departure - China and Taiwan
"THE PRESIDENT: [...] China is eating the tariffs because of monetary manipulation. And also, they’re pouring a lot of money into their country because they don’t want to lose jobs. They’re losing, as you probably know, because you reported it, but they lost over 2 million jobs in a short period of time. And they want to make a deal; we’ll see what happens. But they definitely want to make a deal.
I’d like to see Hong Kong worked out in a very humanitarian fashion…
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Secretary Ross's Remarks at 2019 SelectUSA Summit - Indo-Pacific Investment in the United States
"On the larger side of the size spectrum, South Korean energy storage company SK Innovation attended SelectUSA Investment Summits in 2013 and 2018. Just three months ago, I had the honor of attending the groundbreaking of SK's $1.7 billion electric-battery facility in Commerce, Georgia.I was joined by SK Innovation CEO and President Jun Kim; Executive Vice Chairman, Jae-won Chey; Georgia Governor Brian Kemp; and leaders from across Georgia to celebrate the company's investment in Georgia. Taiwan’s Lung-Soon Ocean Group is creating 50 jobs in Astoria…
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks During Department of State Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Request Hearing - Indo-Pacific, Taiwan, China, and Southeast Asia
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President Trump's Remarks on “Asia Reassurance Initiative Act of 2018”
"Today, I have signed into law S. 2736, the “Asia Reassurance Initiative Act of 2018” (the “Act”). Several provisions of the Act, including sections 101, 102, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 208, 209, 210, 211, 213, 216, 306, 307, 406, and 410, purport to dictate the policy of the United States in external military and foreign affairs, or to require the executive branch to undertake certain diplomatic initiatives with international partners."
To read the full text of the “Asia Reassurance Initiative Act of 2018” click here.
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Vice President Pence's Remarks at the 2018 APEC CEO Summit
"Thank you, Scott. And thank you all for that warm welcome. Prime Minister O’Neill, Chairman Taureka, representatives from across the region, leaders of the business community, and to all our distinguished guests, it’s my honor to join you here at the “premier economic forum” in the Indo-Pacific: the 2018 APEC CEO Summit. Thank you all for being here. (Applause.)
At this forum last year, President Donald Trump laid out the United States’ vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, where, in his words, “sovereign and…
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U.S.-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue
"U.S.-China Relations: The United States highlighted President Trump’s vision for a constructive, results-oriented U.S.-China relationship based on fairness and reciprocity. Both sides committed to coordinate on resolving differences and cooperate on common goals. Both sides will be preparing for the success of the planned meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi at the G20 summit in Argentina.
Strategic Security and Mil-Mil Relations: The United States and China recognized that the U.S.-China military-to-military relationship could be a stabilizing factor for the overall bilateral relationship, and committed to…
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Vice President Pence's Op-Ed in The Washington Post on US-Indo-Pacific Relations
We seek an Indo-Pacific — from the United States to India, from Japan to Australia, and everywhere in between — where sovereignty is respected, where commerce flows unhindered and where independent nations are masters of their own destinies. This region, which includes more than half of Earth’s surface and population, has experienced great progress when these principles have been respected. While some nations now seek to undermine this foundation, the United States is taking decisive action to protect our interests and promote the Indo-Pacific’s shared…