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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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…

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."

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."

U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Countervailing Duty Determination for Passenger Vehicles and Light Truck Tires From Vietnam

"U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced an affirmative preliminary determination in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigation of passenger vehicle and light truck (passenger tires) tires from Vietnam. The Commerce Department preliminarily determined that exporters and producers from Vietnam received counter available subsidies with rates ranging from 6.23 percent to 10.08 percent. Among the subsidies preliminarily countervailed is Vietnam’s undervalued currency – making this the first time that Commerce has ever made an affirmative CVD determination regarding a foreign currency with a unitary exchange rate…

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…

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…

Arrest of Eight Pan-Democratic Politicians in Hong Kong

"The United States strongly condemns the arrests of eight pan-democratic politicians in Hong Kong, including five sitting members of the Legislative Council. The arrest of these lawmakers six months after the incident in question is a clear abuse of law enforcement for political purposes. The Hong Kong government’s harassment and intimidation of pro-democracy representatives and attempts to stifle dissent are stark examples of its ongoing complicity with the authoritarian Chinese Communist Party, which seeks to dismantle the promised autonomy of Hong Kong and eviscerate respect…

Text of a Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate Concerning Duty Free Treatment of Products from Thailand

"Dear Madam Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)

Pursuant to section 502(d)(3) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, (the “1974 Act”) (19 U.S.C. 2462(d)(3)), I am hereby advising you of my intent to suspend the duty-free treatment accorded under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to certain eligible articles that are the product of Thailand, effective on December 30, 2020.

After considering the criteria set forth in sections 501 and 502(c) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2461 and 2462(c)), in particular section 502(c)(4) (1…

Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Phuc

"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi, Vietnam. Secretary Pompeo expressed condolences over the loss of life due to significant flooding as a result of Tropical Storm Linfa and Typhoon Molave and was pleased to announce an additional $2 million in USAID assistance to support response efforts, bringing total funding from the U.S. Government to more than $2.1 million to date. The Secretary congratulated the Prime Minister on Vietnam’s superb chairmanship of ASEAN during a…

Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Vietnamese Minister for Public Security Lam

"Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo met today with Vietnamese Minister for Public Security To Lam in Hanoi, Vietnam. Secretary Pompeo and Minister Lam emphasized the importance of growing bilateral security cooperation in the Mekong region and the benefits that a strengthened U.S. – Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership can bring to both of our nations."

Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Minh READOUT

"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh today in Hanoi, Vietnam. Secretary Pompeo and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Minh reaffirmed our expanding Comprehensive Partnership that spans political, security, economic and people-to-people ties as we celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations this year. The Secretary applauded Vietnam’s successful chairmanship of ASEAN during 2020. Secretary Pompeo underscored support for the sovereignty of Southeast Asian nations, international law, and a free and open Indo Pacific."