The Trump Administration & US - Indo-Pacific Relations

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.

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Secretary Mattis' Remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue - Australia and New Zealand

"In Oceana, our alliances and partnerships are based not only on common security interests, but also on deeply shared values and a long history of shared sacrifice. Australia remains one of our strongest allies, and this year we celebrate our first 100 years of (mate-ship). We are also revitalizing our defense partnership with New Zealand, and we've modernized these key alliances and partnerships to ensure that they are as relevant to the security challenges of this century as they were to the last."

Presidential Message in Commemoration of the 76th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea

"On behalf of the United States, First Lady Melania and I join the people of Australia in remembrance and reflection for the 76th Commemoration of the Battle of the Coral Sea. The engagement in the Coral Sea from May 4 to 8, 1942, holds a unique place in the joint history of our two great nations. Seventy-six years ago, Americans and Australians fought side-by-side to hold back a powerful adversary in the Pacific. During that battle, over 600 service members lost their lives for the…

President Trump's Call with New Zealand Prime Minister-Designate Ardern

"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with Prime Minister-Designate Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand to congratulate her on her recent election as prime minister. The two leaders underscored the importance of the bilateral partnership between the United States and New Zealand and pledged to continue close cooperation on the many priorities the two countries share."

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…

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…

Secretary Mattis' Meeting with New Zealand Minister for Defense Mitchell

"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met with New Zealand's Minister for Defense Mark Mitchell in Copenhagen today to discuss the U.S.-New Zealand defense relationship. The two discussed shared collaboration on regional security issues and potential areas to strengthen U.S.-New Zealand defense cooperation. Secretary Mattis expressed appreciation for Minister Mitchell's participation in the D-ISIS ministerial and thanked him for New Zealand's continued collaboration on the D-ISIS mission."

President Trump's Call with New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English

"President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Bill English of New Zealand spoke on the telephone today. The two leaders affirmed the close friendship and bilateral partnership between the United States and New Zealand. The two leaders discussed regional issues, including challenges to regional peace and security, and the President affirmed to the Prime Minister the U.S. commitment to strong and active engagement in Asia. President Trump expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s significant contributions to international peace and security concerns."

Secretary Mattis' Call with New Zealand Minister for Defense Brownlee

"Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke by phone today with New Zealand's Minister for Defense Gerry Brownlee to discuss the U.S.-New Zealand defense relationship. Secretary Mattis thanked Minister Brownlee for New Zealand's support on various areas of mutual interest. Secretary Mattis was pleased to see the historic visit by the U.S Navy destroyer USS Sampson to New Zealand last November, and grateful that the ship was able to aid in the response to the Kaikoura earthquake. Secretary Mattis looks forward to working with Minister Brownlee…