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 Tillerson's Remarks With Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a Press Availability
"SECRETARY TILLERSON: Nihao. Good afternoon. I’m pleased to be here this afternoon in Beijing to discuss the way forward in forging a constructive and results-oriented relationship between the United States and China. This is an important opportunity to follow up on the telephone conversation between President Trump and President Xi and to pave the way for continued productive high-level engagement. Since the historic opening of relations between our two countries more than 40 years ago, the U.S.-China relationship has been guided by an understanding of…
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Secretary Tillerson's Remarks With Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se Before Their Meeting
"SECRETARY TILLERSON: Well, I am very honored to be here with my friend, Foreign Minister Yun. And I thank him and Prime Minister and Acting President Hwang and the people of the Republic of Korea for hosting me.
For more than 60 years the ironclad alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea has remained strong. And our commitment to this partnership will endure under the Trump Administration. Throughout this time of political change, I want to commend the South Korean people for…
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Secretary Tillerson's Remarks With Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn Before Their Meeting
"SECRETARY TILLERSON: Well, thank you, Mr. President, for allowing me to come see you today. I am here to express, again, and reaffirm the ironclad alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea, which does serve as the linchpin for security and stability in the Korean Peninsula.
I also want to stress the importance of our strong and historic people-to-people ties, our growing economic cooperation, and, as you mentioned, our strong alliance around security in response to the growing threat from North Korea…
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Press Availability With Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida
"SECRETARY TILLERSON: Well, thank you very much, Minister Kishida, and good afternoon to all. It truly is a pleasure to be here in Japan, Tokyo, on my first trip into Asia, and as Secretary of State, I think it does underscore the importance of America’s relationship with Japan. And I’m pleased I’ve already had two important meetings and productive discussions with Foreign Minister Kishida – one in Bonn, the other in Washington – and I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Abe later.
These…
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President Trump's Calls with Japanese Prime Minister Abe and South Korean Acting President Hwang Kyo-Ahn
"President Donald J. Trump spoke separately today with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan and Acting President Hwang Kyo-Ahn of South Korea to discuss North Korea’s launch of ballistic missiles in clear violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions. President Trump emphasized the United States’ ironclad commitment to stand with Japan and South Korea in the face of the serious threat posed by North Korea. He emphasized that his Administration is taking steps to further enhance our ability to deter and defend against North Korea’s…
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Secretary Tillerson's Meeting With State Councilor of the People's Republic of China (PRC) Yang Jiechi
"United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met today with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and affirmed the importance of a constructive bilateral relationship and of regular high-level engagement between the United States and China. The Secretary and the State Councilor discussed the importance of improving and maintaining a mutually beneficial economic relationship between the two largest economies in the world. They also discussed areas of mutual concern, including North Korea’s nuclear programs. The State Councilor extended an invitation for the Secretary to visit Beijing…
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Secretary Tillerson's Phone Call with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi
"Today, United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spoke by phone with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi. Secretary Tillerson and State Councilor Yang affirmed the importance of a constructive bilateral relationship. The two sides agreed on the need to address the threat that North Korea poses to regional stability. The Secretary and State Councilor also discussed economics and trade, and potential cooperation on counterterrorism, law enforcement and transnational crime."
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Secretary Tillerson's Meeting with Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi
"Today, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met for the first time with Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Wang Yi. Secretary Tillerson and Minister Wang noted the recent call between leaders and discussed efforts to advance bilateral cooperation while addressing differences in a constructive manner. Secretary Tillerson also highlighted the increasing threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and urged China to use all available tools to moderate North Korea’s destabilizing behavior. The two also discussed the need to create a…
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U.S.-ROK-Japan Foreign Ministerial Joint Statement on the Situation in North Korea
"Today the U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Yun Byung-se, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Fumio Kishida, met in Bonn. The Ministers condemned in the strongest terms North Korea’s February 12, 2017 ballistic missile test, noting North Korea’s flagrant disregard for multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions that expressly prohibit its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.
Secretary Tillerson reiterated that the United States remains steadfast in its defense commitments to its allies…
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Joint Statement from President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Abe
"The two leaders affirmed the commitment of the United States and Japan to the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, to ensure the long-term, sustainable presence of U.S. forces. They affirmed that the United States and Japan are committed to the plan to construct the Futenma Replacement Facility at the Camp Schwab/Henoko area and in adjacent waters. It is the only solution that avoids the continued use of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. [...] The two leaders affirmed that Article V of the U.S.-Japan Treaty…