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
All Posts
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Disqualification of Pan-Democratic Lawmakers in Hong Kong
"Beijing’s onslaught against Hong Kong’s freedoms and liberties continues. The United States strongly condemns the “patriotism” resolution passed by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee on November 11, which disqualified four members of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council for exercising their mandates as lawmakers. This resolution tramples on the rights of the people of Hong Kong to choose their elected representatives as guaranteed by the Basic Law and further exposes Beijing’s blatant disregard for its international commitments under the Sino-British Joint Declaration, a U.N.-registered treaty. Beijing…
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks at the Ronald Reagan Institute - China
"Those pillars of strength and candor are also the foundation for America’s policy towards the world’s number-one threat to freedom today: the Chinese Communist Party.
I’ve spoken about this at great length, and I have borrowed from President Reagan with great frequency in how we think about this challenge. For 40 years-plus, we steered a course correction. We changed. Been handled with kid gloves and we had ignored all the contrary evidence that showed that the regime in Beijing really is troublesome. We showed what…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Call with [New Zealand] Foreign Minister [Nanaia] Mahuta
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. Secretary Pompeo congratulated Foreign Minister Mahuta on her appointment as foreign minister, and they discussed issues important to the bilateral relationship, including development assistance and COVID-19 responses in the Pacific islands. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister agreed to continue cooperating to promote our shared democratic ideals in the Indo-Pacific and international organizations[.]"
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Secretary Pompeo With Mark Belling of the Mark Belling Show - China
"QUESTION: And the final question: The China reset. We had made the deal with the devil because we had significant business relationships with China. We allowed them to never do anything for us that we wanted on the international stage and screw us with regard to trade, intellectual property, and so on because we liked the business relationship here. The President made the decision to take on China and China didn’t like it, and who knows what the long-term ramifications have been and who knows…
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Secretary Pompeo With Tony Perkins of Washington Watch with Tony Perkins - China
"QUESTION: I’m doing well, sir. Thanks so much for joining us. I made reference to your five-nation Asian tour last month, and then today you made the comment that the U.S. is not finished when it comes to getting tough on China. What did you mean?
SECRETARY POMPEO: So there’s still a great deal of work to be done, and this work will continue in this year and next. It’ll be ongoing. The challenge presented by the Chinese Communist Party, whether it’s the terrible human…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Kang
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha in Washington, D.C., and reaffirmed the enduring strength and importance of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, the linchpin to peace and security for the Indo-Pacific region. During the meeting, Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Kang discussed bilateral and regional priorities, including coordination on ensuring peace on the Korean Peninsula and expanding cooperation through the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy and the ROK New Southern Policy. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister reinforced our…
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Burma’s Parliamentary Elections
"The United States recognizes that Burma’s parliamentary elections, the second competitive national election since the end of military rule, mark an important step in the country’s democratic transition. Millions of people, including young people voting for the first time, exercised their right to elect their representatives. We appreciate the efforts of all who worked to make these elections possible, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nevertheless, we are concerned by the large number of unelected seats constitutionally reserved for the…
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Designations of Four PRC and Hong Kong Officials Threatening the Peace, Security, and Autonomy of Hong Kong
"The People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong-based officials continue to dismantle the promised autonomy and freedoms of Hong Kong through politically motivated arrests. Today, the U.S. Department of State is designating four PRC and Hong Kong officials in connection with implementing the PRC-imposed National Security Law and threatening the peace, security, and autonomy of Hong Kong, pursuant to Executive Order 13936.
The Department of State is designating Li Jiangzhou, Edwina Lau, and Steve Li Kwai-Wah as having been leaders or officials of entities…
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2020 New Zealand General Election
"The United States congratulates New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the Labour Party on their victory in the October 17 national parliamentary elections and commends the people of New Zealand for demonstrating the power of participatory democracy.
New Zealand is one of our closest friends. We congratulate new Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta and look forward to working with her and the rest of New Zealand’s government to further deepen our enduring partnership that is based on our shared history and democratic values."
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Cambodia National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States and the American people, I congratulate the people of Cambodia as you mark the 67th anniversary of your independence.
We are honored to confront shared challenges as a partner with Cambodia in support of the health, safety, and prosperity of both our nations. We look forward to further advancing U.S.-Cambodian ties to help build a more prosperous, democratic, and independent Cambodia.
Best wishes to all Cambodians for peace, prosperity, and good health in the year ahead."
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Tonga National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the Kingdom of Tonga as you celebrate your 145th National Day on November 4.
The United States and Tonga have an enduring friendship that has weathered many challenges, thanks to our shared history in the Pacific and our commitment to strengthening freedoms, generating prosperity, and improving the lives of our citizens. As we overcome the challenges of 2020, we find ourselves working together in innovative ways, and we continue to build strong…
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National Day of the Federated States of Micronesia
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I would like to congratulate the people of the Federated States of Micronesia in recognition of its 34th anniversary of independence on November 3.
Our two countries enjoy a warm friendship, strengthened by our cooperation in advancing our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific with other democracies in the region. Our people continue to enjoy close ties, and we recognize the service and sacrifice of many citizens of the Federated States of…