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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Vice President Pence's Remarks at Announcement of the Papua New Guinea Electrification Partnership
"Prime Minister O’Neill, it is an honor to be with you here in Papua New Guinea for this historic announcement. And it is my great honor, on behalf on President Donald Trump, to join with Prime Minister Abe, Prime Minister Morrison, and Prime Minister Ardern in announcing the Papua New Guinea Electrification Partnership that will bring electricity to 70 percent of the people of Papua New Guinea by the year 2030.
Mr. Prime Minister, that is an extraordinary commitment on your part. It’s a reflection…
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Readout of Vice President Pence’s Meeting with Prime Minister Peter O’Neill of Papua New Guinea
"Vice President Pence met today with Prime Minister Peter O’Neill of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby. Vice President Pence thanked Prime Minister O’Neill for Papua New Guinea’s leadership in hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings and recognized his government’s work on improving the lives of the people of Papua New Guinea. They noted the pivotal role played by the U.S. private sector in PNG’s current and future development, including Exxon Mobil’s $19 billion investment, and affirmed the continued role of such investment in realizing…
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Vice President Pence's Remarks at the 2018 APEC CEO Summit
"Thank you, Scott. And thank you all for that warm welcome. Prime Minister O’Neill, Chairman Taureka, representatives from across the region, leaders of the business community, and to all our distinguished guests, it’s my honor to join you here at the “premier economic forum” in the Indo-Pacific: the 2018 APEC CEO Summit. Thank you all for being here. (Applause.)
At this forum last year, President Donald Trump laid out the United States’ vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, where, in his words, “sovereign and…
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Vice President Pence and Prime Minister Abe of Japan's Remarks in Joint Press Statements
"Thank you, Prime Minister Abe, for those kind words and for the warm hospitality that you’ve shown to Karen and me. This is our third visit to Japan since I became Vice President. And it is my great honor to be with you today to reflect the remarkable bond that exists between our two nations.
And I’m here today on behalf of a friend of yours and a great champion of the U.S.-Japan alliance, President Donald Trump. I know the President is very much looking…
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Vice President Pence and Prime Minister Abe of Japan's Remarks Before Bilateral Meeting
"Well, thank you, Prime Minister Abe. It is a great honor for me to be here on my third visit to Japan. And I bring greetings and the warmest regards from your friend, President Donald Trump.
The Japan-U.S. alliance is historically the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. And when the President directed me to represent him at the ASEAN and APEC conference, we knew that coming to Japan first was the right step. And I’m grateful for your hospitality and time.
The…
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Federated States of Micronesia National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, we would like to congratulate the Federated States of Micronesia on your 32nd anniversary of independence on November 3.
The United States values deeply our strong partnership with the Federated States of Micronesia under the Compact of Free Association. Our close cooperation and engagement at the United Nations demonstrates our commitment to shared democratic values and enhancing economic growth and development. We recognize and appreciate the continued service of Micronesia’s citizens in the U.S…
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks on Fiji National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Fiji as you celebrate your 48th year of independence on October 10.
The United States and Fiji share a deep and longstanding friendship based on common values. I would like to commend Fiji on the 40th anniversary of its participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions. We appreciate your government’s continued efforts to enforce UN sanctions pertaining to North Korea. Our partnership in maritime security contributes to our shared goal…
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Vice President Pence's Remarks on the Administration’s Policy Toward China
"But our message to China’s rulers is this: This President will not back down. (Applause.) The American people will not be swayed. And we will continue to stand strong for our security and our economy, even as we hope for improved relations with Beijing.
Our administration is going to continue to act decisively to protect America’s interests, American jobs, and American security.
As we rebuild our military, we will continue to assert American interests across the Indo-Pacific.
As we respond to China’s trade practices, we…
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Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Australia Foreign Minister Marise Payne
"Secretary Michael R. Pompeo met with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne today. The two praised the vibrancy of the bilateral relationship, including our joint efforts to promote a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The ministers coordinated on our top foreign policy goals, particularly achieving a fully denuclearized North Korea. The two exchanged information on events and engagements around the just-completed UN General Assembly Leaders Week and on supporting the upcoming East Asia Summit in Singapore and the APEC Leaders Summit in Papua New Guinea. As…
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks on the Republic of Palau's National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I warmly congratulate all Palauans as you celebrate your 24th Independence Day.
Palau and the United States have a long tradition of friendship and partnership. This vital relationship is built on a foundation of common values and shared sacrifices for freedom. Our bilateral relationship is flourishing under the U.S.-Palau Compact of Free Association, which enables the United States to ensure Palau’s continued security and economic prosperity. We look forward to working with Palau as…
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Presidential Message to the Senate of the United States - Pacific Islands
"With a view to receiving the advice and consent of the Senate to ratification, I transmit herewith the Amendments to the Treaty on Fisheries between the Governments of Certain Pacific Island States and the Government of the United States of America, done at Port Moresby April 2, 1987, as amended (the “Treaty”), done at Nadi, Fiji, December 3, 2016. I also transmit, for the information of the Senate, the amendments to the Annexes to the Treaty and report of the Department of State with respect…
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Vanuatu National Day
"On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of Vanuatu in celebration of your National Day on July 30th. The United States and Vanuatu enjoy a close friendship based on our shared values and partnership. We commend your strong commitment to promoting financial transparency. We also celebrate the growing number of cross-cultural exchanges between our countries, and would like to thank you for welcoming over 70 Peace Corps volunteers to your shores this past year. We look…