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 Pompeo's Toast to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison
"Well, good afternoon and welcome – or should I say G’day? (Laughter.) It is, in fact, that. It is my great honor and privilege to welcome you, Prime Minister Morrison, to the State Department. You hosted, along with your beautiful wife, hosted Susan and me just last month in Sydney. It was spectacular. For our next meal in America, we want you to come out to the real Outback in Kansas – (laughter) – where the people, much like all across America, are kindred spirits…
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Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Morrison of Australia Before Bilateral Meeting - China
"Q Mr. President, will you be asking Australia to do more when it comes to China?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Say it. What?
Q Will you be asking Australia to do more when it comes to China?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, we’re talking about China all the time. And Scott has very strong opinions on China. And I think I’d let him, maybe, express those opinions. Maybe you do it right now. You’re not going to get a better audience than this. (Laughter.)
PRIME MINISTER MORRISON: We —…
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Media Availability by Secretary Esper En Route to Tokyo
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MARK T. ESPER: Yeah, so first things first.
First good few days, and -- in Australia and -- and New Zealand. I think I often just (inaudible) since I had a chance in each country to meet with my counterpart and fellow defense minister and I had a chance to meet with the foreign ministers, and I had a chance to even meet with -- or chat with the prime ministers of each country. So very good -- very good in that…
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Joint Statement on Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2019
"The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Australia following the 29th Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN).
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'Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne and Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds hosted Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper on 4 August in Sydney for the 29th Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) to deepen economic, security, and strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and globally.
As Prime Minister Morrison and President…
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Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo with Peta Credlin of Sky News - Indo-Pacific and China
"QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, welcome. You’re in Australia for the AUSMIN talks, the annual talks with defense and foreign affairs ministers here in Australia. They happen annually, as I said. On your way here, you were part of the trilateral dialogue – Australia, the United States, and Japan. You made some really strong comments about your return to the region, renewed focus in our region. Today you reiterated that the U.S. is a Pacific power and you’re here to stay. In practical terms, what does that…
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Secretary Esper Meeting With Australian Minister of Defense Reynolds
"Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper met today with Australia’s Minister for Defense Linda Reynolds at Victoria Barracks in Sydney, Australia.
The two leaders affirmed the strong defense relationship between Australia and the United States and committed to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and around the globe. The secretary expressed appreciation for Australia's continued participation in the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, as well as to coalition operations in Iraq and Syria. He promised close consultation on the way ahead in the Middle East…
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Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo “The Unbreakable Alliance” - Australia
"SECRETARY POMPEO: [...] I wanted to get here. It was important for me to get down here. American diplomacy depends on showing up, especially talk with your closest friends, not give lectures. This is a new era. America doesn’t do that. The Trump administration knows you’re a partner, we are not your professor.
I want to tell you about a story, about a man who epitomized what our friendship is all about here. Your prime minister told it to President Trump last year, but it’s…
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Joint Statement: Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2019
"Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne and Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds hosted Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper on 4 August in Sydney for the 29th Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) to deepen economic, security, and strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and globally.
As Prime Minister Morrison and President Trump reaffirmed at the G20 in Osaka on June 27, Australia and the United States are the closest of allies. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the D-Day…