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 Mattis' Remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue - ASEAN
"Central among these, of course, is ASEAN and the institutions it created, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus, and the East Asia Summit, as well as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, and trilateral and multilateral mechanisms of like-minded partners. A central element of our strategy is strengthening of our alliances and partnerships in terms of mutual benefit and trusted relationships. We are committed to working by, with, and through allies and partners to address common challenges, to enhance shared capabilities…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Singaporean Minister of Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis met with the Singapore Minister of Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen on June 1 on the sidelines of the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ 17th Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, a major annual defense and security forum in the Indo-Pacific region. During their meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the U.S.-Singapore defense relationship and discussed efforts to strengthen cooperation, to include counterterrorism and maritime security. Secretary Mattis thanked Dr. Ng for Singapore’s…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Lorenzana
"The two leaders [Secretary Mattis and Secretary Lorenzana] held in depth discussions on the U.S.-Philippines Alliance and the two nations’ growing bilateral defense relationship. Secretary Mattis reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the 67-year old alliance and emphasized the need to build upon the interoperability the two countries militaries have achieved through extensive and regularly planned annual training events. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is undergoing modernization. Secretary Mattis pledged U.S. support for this initiative, and reiterated the importance of ensuring the two militaries enhance…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Vietnamese Minister of National Defense Lich
"Secretary Mattis and Minister Lich discussed the regional security environment and highlighted historic progress in the defense relationship since their last meeting, including the first post-war visit by a U.S. aircraft carrier to Vietnam in March 2018. They also reviewed progress on efforts to enhance the defense partnership, with a focus on increasing cooperation on maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and peacekeeping operations, while continuing to address legacy of war issues. Secretary Mattis affirmed his support for a strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Indonesian Minister of Defense Ryamizard
"On May 29, Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis met with Indonesian Minister of Defense Ryamizard Ryacudu on the sidelines of the U.S. Pacific Command change of command at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii. The two leaders shared views on regional security and emphasized the importance of continued ASEAN centrality and close cooperation to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific safeguarding the rules-based international order. The Secretary shared Minister Ryamizard's concerns regarding violent extremism, particularly the ISIS-inspired suicide attacks against three churches earlier this…
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Remarks by the Vice President at ASEAN
"Today on President Trump’s behalf, I’d like to congratulate ASEAN on its 50th anniversary. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the United States’ diplomatic relationship with ASEAN. Our relationship without a doubt has benefitted both ASEAN and America — diplomatically, economically, and from the standpoint of national security. The relationship between the United States and ASEAN is a strategic partnership. And under President Trump’s leadership, the United States is already taking steps to strengthen our partnership with ASEAN and deepen our friendship. I…
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Remarks by President Trump on His Trip to Asia
"At the East Asia Summit, the United States negotiated and signed four important leaders’ statements on the use of chemical weapons, money laundering, poverty alleviation, and countering terrorist propaganda and financing. And crucially, at both summits and throughout the trip, we asked all nations to support our campaign of maximum pressure for North Korean denuclearization. And they are responding by cutting trade with North Korea, restricting financial ties to the regime, and expelling North Korean diplomats and workers."
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President Trump's Trip to the Philippines
“President Trump celebrated the 50th anniversary of ASEAN and the 40th anniversary of United States-ASEAN ties, including by releasing a Joint Statement of the ASEAN-United States Commemorative Summit. The leaders welcomed enhanced United States-ASEAN cooperation on maritime security issues, including through the first-ever United States-ASEAN Maritime Exercise in 2018. President Trump attended the EAS, the region’s premier leaders-led forum for addressing the Indo-Pacific’s most pressing political and security issues, and rallied international cooperation to address shared regional challenges, including the South China Sea, counterterrorism, and…
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Remarks by President Trump at 5th U.S.-ASEAN Summit
"I speak to you on behalf of 350 million Americans with a message of friendship and partnership. I'm here to advance peace, to promote security, and to work with you to achieve a truly free and open Indo-Pacific, where we are proud and we have sovereign nations, and we thrive, and everybody wants to prosper. This year we mark 40 years of friendship and cooperation between the United States and this organization. It's a long time. I also want to congratulate ASEAN on 50 years…
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President Trump's Meeting with Australian Prime Minister Turnbull and Japanese Prime Minister Abe
"President Donald J. Trump met with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan today in Manila, Philippines. The three leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining maximum pressure on North Korea in the effort to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. They also discussed expanded security cooperation for enhanced deterrence and defense against North Korean aggression. President Trump, Prime Minister Turnbull, and Prime Minister Abe underscored the importance of working together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The three leaders…