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 Mattis' Call with Japanese Minister of Defense Inada
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke by telephone today with Japan Minister of Defense Tomomi Inada to discuss North Korea's test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile on July 4. Secretary Mattis and Minister Inada both agreed that this test represents an escalation and unacceptable provocation that undermines regional security and stability. Secretary Mattis underscored the United States' ironclad commitment to defend Japan and provide extended deterrence using the full range of U.S. capabilities. Secretary Mattis and Minister Inada affirmed that the United States and…
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President Trump's Call with Japanese Prime Minister Abe
"President Donald J. Trump spoke this evening with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan. The two leaders exchanged views on the growing threat from North Korea, including their unity with respect to increasing pressure on the regime to change its dangerous path. They reaffirmed that the United States-Japan Alliance stands ready to defend and respond to any threat or action taken by North Korea. President Trump and Prime Minister Abe also discussed a range of other regional and global issues of mutual interest, and noted…
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President Trump's Call with Chinese President Xi
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Xi Jinping of China. President Trump raised the growing threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. President Trump reiterated his determination to seek more balanced trade relations with America’s trading partners. The two leaders also discussed a range of other regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest, and affirmed that they look forward to meeting at the G20 in Hamburg, Germany."
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USTR Lighthizer Calls a Special Session Under the U.S. Korea Free Trade Agreement [KOURS]
"United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer today, as directed by President Trump, formally notified the Republic of Korea that the United States is calling a special Joint Committee meeting under the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) to start the process of negotiating to remove barriers to U.S. trade and consider needed amendments to the agreement. The USTR acted in accord with the President’s intention of reducing the trade deficit and giving Americans a better chance to succeed in global markets. 'President Trump continues to keep…
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Secretary Ross Remarks on US - South Korea Trade
"The trade imbalance with South Korea has doubled since the KORUS treaty was put into effect, and the largest single component of that is automotive trade. That’s an absolute majority of it. So there are a lot of non-tariff trade barriers to U.S. exports. Only 25,000 cars per Big Three manufacturer are allowed in based on U.S. standards. Anything above that needs to be on Korean standards. So that kind of rulemaking affects quite a few industries and really restricts the access that U.S. companies…
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Joint Statement between the United States and the Republic of Korea
"President Donald J. Trump hosted President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea (ROK) at the White House on June 29 and 30 in order to advance the comprehensive strategic Alliance between the United States and the ROK and to deepen the two countries’ friendship. Since its founding, the Alliance has served as a linchpin for security, stability, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, in the Asia Pacific region, and increasingly around the world. As we mark the 67th anniversary of the outbreak of the…
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Remarks by the Vice President to the US-India Business Council
"President Trump recognizes that the United States’ relationship with India is one of the most important strategic relationships in the 21st century. Our two great nations are bound by friendship, by commerce — so well represented by American and Indian businesses here. And we’re partners in the fight against global terrorism and as brothers-and-sisters in the cause of freedom and our commitment to democracy. And today, I say with confidence: Under the leadership of President Donald Trump, our friendship will grow deeper, our partnership will…
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Remarks by President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Modi
"I have always had a deep admiration for your country and for its people, and a profound appreciation for your rich culture, heritage and traditions. This summer, India will celebrate the 70th anniversary of its independence, and on behalf of the United States, I want to congratulate the Indian people on this magnificent milestone in the life of your very, very incredible nation. [...] I look forward to working with you, Mr. Prime Minister, to create jobs in our countries, to grow our economies, and…
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United States and India: Prosperity Through Partnership
"President Donald J. Trump hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India at the White House on June 26 for an official visit to Washington, D.C. In marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and the United States, the leaders resolved to expand and deepen the strategic partnership between the countries and advance common objectives. Above all, these objectives include combatting terrorist threats, promoting stability across the Indo-Pacific region, increasing free and fair trade, and strengthening energy linkages. President Trump and Prime Minister Modi expressed…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi
"Secretary Mattis met with India Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, D.C. today to discuss the importance of the U.S.-India relationship, and the role of both nations in cooperating to foster democratic laws and principles. Secretary Mattis applauded India's long-term efforts to promote stability in the Indian Ocean region. The two pledged to continue the strong defense partnership between both nations and broaden military to military engagements."
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Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis at a Joint Press Availability
"SECRETARY TILLERSON: Hello. Good afternoon, all. I do want to thank Secretary Mattis, State Councilor Yang Jiechi, and PLA Chief of Joint Staff Fang Fenghui for a day of very productive meetings.
Secretary Mattis and I were quite pleased to host the first session of the Diplomatic Security Dialogue since we agreed on this format at the presidential summit in Mar-a-Lago. This is one of four distinct dialogue areas that will implement our President’s vision for constructive, results-oriented bilateral relations. We’re sustaining these regular talks…
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U.S., China Finalize Details to Send U.S. Beef to China
"As part of the U.S.-China 100-Day Action plan announced on May 11, 2017, by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Secretary of the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin, the Trump Administration today has taken important steps toward commercial shipment of U.S. beef and beef products to China for the first time since 2003. These shipments are results of the U.S.-China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue co-chaired by Secretary Ross and Secretary Mnuchin for the United States and Vice Premier Wang Yang for China. Accordingly, the U.S. Department…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Indonesian Coordinating Minister Luhut
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met June 7 with Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan at the Pentagon to discuss maritime security challenges and defense cooperation. The Secretary and Minister Luhut exchanged views on the regional maritime security environment in Southeast Asia, discussed cooperation on countering violent extremism from groups like ISIS, and addressed the threat posed by returning foreign fighters. Secretary Mattis relayed his appreciation for the broad range of U.S.-Indonesian defense cooperation and encouraged Indonesia's continuing contributions to regional maritime security…
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Secretary Tillerson's Press Availability With New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English
"SECRETARY TILLERSON: Well, thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, and let me thank you and also Foreign Minister Brownlee for the warm welcome. And I am really delighted that we were able to make this stop in New Zealand to reaffirm the strong partnership that exists between the United States and New Zealand. We had very productive discussions on many topics, as the prime minister just described to you.
This relationship between our two nations – I know, as I think many of you know, we…
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Press Briefing with Secretary Mattis Following the Australia-US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN)
"The danger that we have faced over many, many years has built a sense of respect between our forces. I would remind you that after 9/11, when thousands of innocent people were murdered in America, including Australians, it was the Australians that were first to join us in the desert of Afghanistan in those uncertain days after 9/11, and we remain grateful for Australia’s alliance with us. Today, we still stand together in that fight, and certainly, our sympathies, our respects are with the people…
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Joint Statement AUSMIN [Australia-United States Ministerial] 2017
"On 5 June, Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop, and Minister for Defence Senator Marise Payne, hosted U.S. Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson, and Secretary of Defense James Mattis in Sydney for the annual Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) consultations. [...] Australia and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to the Alliance at AUSMIN 2017, and decided to further expand defence and security cooperation, including: a commitment to further strengthen the interoperability of our armed forces; and continued close collaboration on capability development and defence…
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Press Availability With Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Australian Defense Minister Marise Payne
"SECRETARY TILLERSON: Thank you, Julie, and good afternoon, everyone. And let me begin, of course, by thanking Foreign Minister Bishop and Defense Minister Payne for their hospitality and for hosting this session of AUSMIN. Minister Bishop was one of my first counterparts that I met with when she traveled to Washington, and that began a very, very productive dialogue that has continued certainly through today. Secretary Mattis and I obviously look forward to having dinner this evening with Prime Minister Turnbull, and we know we’re…
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Joint Statement AUSMIN [Australia-United States Ministerial] 2017
"On 5 June, Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop, and Minister for Defence Senator Marise Payne, hosted U.S. Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson, and Secretary of Defense James Mattis in Sydney for the annual Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) consultations.
AUSMIN 2017, the 27th AUSMIN meeting and the first under the Trump Administration, builds on the meeting between our leaders on May 4 in New York that demonstrated the continued closeness of the Australia-U.S. relationship. The strength and vitality of our Alliance is based on…
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Opening Remarks by Secretary Mattis, Secretary Tillerson, Minister Bishop and Minister Payne at the 2017 AUSMIN Conference in Sydney, Australia
"SECRETARY OF STATE REX TILLERSON: Thank you so much Foreign Minister Bishop, Senator Payne, for hosting this year’s AUSMIN in a very beautiful surrounding and one which I think will really lend itself to the serious issues we have to discuss today.
As you know this relationship between the U.S. and Australia, which now approaches a century and really formalized in the treaty of 1951, but it’s really built around the most fundamental values, our commitment to freedom, democracy, rules based order for the…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Malaysian Minister of Defense Hishammudin Tun Hussein
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis had an introductory meeting today with Malaysian Minister of Defense Hishammuddin Tun Hussein on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore to discuss security challenges and our strong bilateral defense cooperation. They exchanged views on regional security challenges and emphasized the need for continued ASEAN unity to address shared security challenges facing Southeast Asia. They discussed the need to increase counterterrorism cooperation in order to stem the threat posed by groups like ISIS both in the region and globally…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with ASEAN Leaders at the Shangri-La Dialogue
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met today with ministers and heads of delegation from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore to discuss security challenges and opportunities for increased cooperation. They had a robust exchange of views on regional security issues, focusing on counterterrorism and maritime security cooperation and the threat posed by North Korea. Participants expressed appreciation for U.S.-ASEAN cooperation noting the 40th anniversary of U.S.-ASEAN relations. They highlighted the importance of ASEAN unity, welcomed…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Singaporean Minister of Defense Dr. Ng Eng Hen
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met June 3 with Singaporean Minister of Defense Ng Eng Hen on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a major annual forum for key leaders in the Asia-Pacific region, to discuss security challenges and opportunities. The secretary and the minister of defense affirmed the long-standing bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Singapore. The two leaders exchanged views on the regional security environment in Southeast Asia and discussed a range mutual security interests, including countering violent extremism…
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President Trump's Statement on the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway
"Today marks the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway, the turning point in the Pacific theater during World War II. [...] On June 4, 1942, Americans delivered a devastating blow to the Imperial Japanese Navy. Torpedo Squadrons 8, 6, and 3 made the first wave of attacks on the enemy aircraft carriers. Despite heavy casualties, the American squadrons subjected the carriers to devastating dive-bomber attacks. By the end of the battle, the Americans sank four Japanese fleet carriers—all of which had attacked Pearl Harbor—and…
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Secretary Mattis' Remarks at Shangri-La Dialogue - China
"While competition between the U.S. and China, the world's two largest economies, is bound to occur, conflict is not inevitable. Our two countries can and do cooperate for mutual benefit. And we will pledge to work closely with China where we share common cause. We seek instructive, results-oriented relationship with China. We believe the United States can engage China diplomatically and economically to ensure our relationship is beneficial, not only to the United States and China, but also to the region and to the world…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Thai Deputy Defense Minister General Udomdej
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met June 3 with Thailand's Deputy Minister of Defense General Udomdej Sitabutr on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a major annual forum for key leaders in the Asia-Pacific region, to discuss security challenges and opportunities. The two officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the 184-year-old U.S.-Thai alliance, and exchanged views on regional and bilateral security issues. They reviewed the broad range of U.S.-Thai defense cooperation and Thailand's continuing contributions to regional security. The Secretary and General Udomdej…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Indonesian Minister of Defense Ryamizard
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met June 3 with Indonesian Minister of Defense Ryamizard Ryacudu on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore to discuss security challenges and defense cooperation. They exchanged views on the regional security environment and highlighted the need for continued ASEAN unity to address shared challenges facing Southeast Asia. The Secretary and Minister Ryamizard discussed cooperation on countering violent extremism from groups like ISIS and addressed the threat posed by returning foreign fighters. Secretary Mattis relayed his appreciation for the…
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Secretary Mattis Remarks at Shangri-La Dialogue - South China Sea
"The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the case brought by the Philippines on the South China Sea is binding. We call on all claimants to use this as a starting point to peacefully manage their disputes in the South China Sea. Artificial island construction and indisputable militarization of facilities on features in international waters undermine regional stability. The scope and effect of China's construction activities in the South China Sea differ from those in other countries in several key ways. This…
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Secretary Mattis Remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue - ASEAN
"And our combined interoperability with allied forces, enhanced through forced posture initiatives that we're taking, ensures we are prepared to cooperate during real-world crises. Deterrence of war, however, remains our ultimate goal. We are helping to train, advise and assist the Philippine force in their fight against violent extremist organizations in the south. And I think we all owe that support to the Philippine government. We also continue to support the modernization of the Philippine Armed Forces to address the country's security challenges. During this…
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Secretary Mattis Remarks at Shangri-La Dialogue - North Korea
"As Vice President Pence stated, the most urgent and dangerous threat to peace and security in the Asia-Pacific is North Korea. North Korea's continued pursuit of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them is not new. But the regime has increased the pace and the scope of its efforts. While the North Korean regime has a long record of murder of diplomats, of kidnapping innocents, of killing of sailors, other criminal activity, its nuclear weapons program is maturing is a threat to all. Coupled…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Australian Prime Minister Turnbull
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met June 2 with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a major annual forum for key leaders in the Asia-Pacific region, to discuss security challenges and opportunities. The Secretary and the Prime Minister exchanged views on a range of global security issues and both emphasized the importance of our continued close collaboration in addressing shared security challenges. The Secretary expressed his appreciation to the Prime Minister for hosting the upcoming Australia-United States…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met June 2 with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a major annual forum for key leaders in the Asia-Pacific region, to discuss mutual security challenges including cooperation on maritime security. The secretary and the prime minister reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Singapore, as underscored by the 1990 memorandum of understanding, the 2005 strategic framework agreement, and the 2015 enhanced defense cooperation agreement…
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USTR Lighthizer Statement on Deal to Send US Beef to China
"I welcome China taking this important step to start allowing U.S. beef imports after shutting them out over 13 years ago. The President's firm commitment to fair trade that benefits the United States has made this new U.S. beef export opportunity possible. I encourage China and all countries to base their requirements on international standards and science. America's ranchers are the best producers of beef in the global economy, and they can compete and succeed wherever there is a level playing field."
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President Trump's Statement on the Paris Climate Accord
"China will be allowed to build hundreds of additional coal plants. So we can’t build the plants, but they can, according to this agreement. India will be allowed to double its coal production by 2020. Think of it: India can double their coal production. We’re supposed to get rid of ours. Even Europe is allowed to continue construction of coal plants. In short, the agreement doesn’t eliminate coal jobs, it just transfers those jobs out of America and the United States, and ships them to…
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USTR Lighthizer Meets with Japanese Trade Minister
"U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer this afternoon met with Japanese Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroshige Seko to discuss U.S.-Japan trade relations and cooperation against trade-distorting practices by third countries. In their meeting, Ambassador Lighthizer stressed the importance of addressing the bilateral trade imbalance, given the very high and decades-long U.S. goods trade deficit with Japan. He additionally underscored how both countries can effectively utilize the U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue. Both sides also stressed the importance of further deepening enforcement cooperation to address unfair practices…
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USTR Lighthizer Meets with New Zealand's Trade Minister
"U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer this morning welcomed New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay for a meeting on the two countries' strong trade relationship. Ambassador Lighthizer reiterated the United States' commitment to continued engagement in the Pacific region for free and fair trade with all U.S. trading partners. Along with the U.S.-New Zealand Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, he highlighted opportunities to further deepen the trade partnership and to coordinate on solutions to global dairy market challenges. Ambassador Lighthizer underscored that U.S. exporters are deeply…
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USTR Lighthizer Discusses Trade Cooperation with Indonesia Under TIFA
"The United States met with Indonesia on June 12-13 under their Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), agreeing on next steps for expeditiously resolving bilateral issues and further building their trade relations. Ambassador Robert Lighthizer welcomed the shared commitment to intensify engagement under the TIFA. In a concluding meeting with Indonesian Investment Board Chairman Tom Lembong, Ambassador Lighthizer emphasized the Trump Administration’s interest in enhancing ties with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, the importance of addressing outstanding trade issues in the next few months, and…
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President Trump's Remarks on the Paris Climate Accord - China and India
"Even if the Paris Agreement were implemented in full, with total compliance from all nations, it is estimated it would only produce a two-tenths of one degree -- think of that; this much -- Celsius reduction in global temperature by the year 2100. Tiny, tiny amount. In fact, 14 days of carbon emissions from China alone would wipe out the gains from America -- and this is an incredible statistic -- would totally wipe out the gains from America's expected reductions in the year 2030…
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Secretary Ross' Meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to discuss the deepening economic relationship between the United States and Vietnam. The leaders also attended a ceremony to recognize 13 new business deals worth more than $8 billion. [...] The deals announced today include more than $3 billion in U.S.-produced content, which collectively support more than 23,000 jobs. The commercial deals between the United States and Vietnam feature a variety of organizations, companies, and industry sectors. During their meeting…
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Joint Statement for Enhancing the Comprehensive Partnership between the United States of America and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
"The President of the United States of America Donald J. Trump hosted the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the White House today to chart an agenda for United States-Vietnam relations, building on the positive momentum of the Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries. As a Pacific power with widespread interests and commitments throughout the Asia Pacific, the United States shares many important interests with Vietnam. The two leaders emphasized that many opportunities lie ahead for United States-Vietnam relations…
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President Trump's Meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Abe
"President Donald J. Trump met today with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan in Taormina, Italy, before the start of the G7 Summit. In the wake of the horrific terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena in the United Kingdom, the two leaders reaffirmed their shared resolve to cooperate to the fullest extent possible to counter terrorist threats. The President said the United States will work with Japan and the Republic of Korea, as well as our other allies and partners around the world, to increase…
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USTR Lighthizer Meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister
"U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer this afternoon met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to discuss the U.S.-Vietnam trade relationship and outstanding bilateral trade issues. The two leaders also discussed the challenges presented by the growth in the U.S. trade deficit with Vietnam and the potential for further improvements in the trade relationship, including through initiatives under the U.S.-Vietnam Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). Ambassador Lighthizer today also met with Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh on these issues, as…
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US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Gala Dinner
"As the Trump Administration begins to advance its agenda for free and fair trade, [Vietnamese] Prime Minister [Nguyen Xuan] Phuc’s visit to Washington is a timely and important opportunity for our two countries to reflect on the impressive growth of our bilateral relationship over the past two decades. Working closely together, our trade and investment ties have grown significantly since we normalized relations in 1995. In 2001, we signed a Bilateral Trade Agreement to serve as a roadmap for increased cooperation on economic reforms in…