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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USTR Welcomes Passage of Amendments to Korea’s Distant Water Fisheries Development Act Following First Ever Environment Consultations under the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement
"The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) welcomes passage by Korea’s National Assembly of amendments to Korea’s Distant Water Fisheries Development Act. This action follows the first ever environment consultations under the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) wherein the United States raised concerns regarding Korea’s response to the illegal fishing activities of its vessels. USTR applauds the significant efforts Korea has made to strengthen its regime to deter and penalize illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. USTR, the National Marine Fisheries Service…
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Secretary Ross's Remarks on Trade Negotiations with China, Indo-Pacific Business Forum, and East Asia Summit
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Secretary Pompeo With Rick Everett of Mid America Network - North Korea and China
"QUESTION: Special guest this afternoon on KQAM is Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was in Wichita one week ago with Senior Advisor to President Donald Trump Ivanka Trump. Mr. Secretary, a lot has happened in just a week’s time. We’ll start off with some of the most recent news, that being of North Korea’s latest missile test. What’s the latest on that situation?
SECRETARY POMPEO: So it would’ve been now the last 24 hours North Korea fired two – what we think were rockets…
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United States Wins WTO Challenge to Indian Export Subsidies
"A World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute panel agreed with the United States that India provides prohibited export subsidies to Indian exporters worth over $7 billion annually. According to the panel, India gives prohibited subsidies to producers of steel products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, information technology products, textiles, and apparel, to the detriment of American workers and manufacturers.
“This is a resounding victory for the United States,” said U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. “Under the leadership of President Trump, the United States is using every available tool…
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Remarks by Secretary Esper and Australian Defence Minister Reynolds Following Bilateral Engagement at the Pentagon
"SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MARK T. ESPER: OK, well good afternoon everyone. It's been my pleasure today to welcome Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds to the Pentagon. As you all know, the first trip I took as Secretary of Defense was when – to the Indo-pacific region. The first country I visited was Australia, and the first person I met with, Minister Reynolds. So it's great to welcome her here to the Pentagon and to discuss a wide range of issues.
As you know, our priority…
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Tonga’s National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the Kingdom of Tonga as you celebrate your 144th National Day this year on November 4, 2019.
The United States and Tonga have a long friendship based on strong people-to-people ties, common values, and a shared commitment to building and safeguarding free and open trade, communities, and cultural exchange between us and our friends and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Our enduring friendship, founded on these principles, is manifested through programs such…
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The Federated States of Micronesia’s National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the Federated States of Micronesia on the 33rd anniversary of your independence on November 3.
The United States and the Federated States of Micronesia have a long friendship based on a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. To achieve this vision, we have worked together to promote regional stability and enhance economic development. I was honored to be the first Secretary of State to visit the Federated States of Micronesia…
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks at The Hudson Institute - China
"That’s why I thought I’d focus in the few minutes today before I take some questions, I thought I’d focus on something that is central to what the Trump administration is working on that is different from previous administrations. That’s not political, we have just – we have taken on the challenge from the People’s Republic of China in a way that the time is calling for.
Look, we have a long-cherished tradition of friendship with the Chinese people. We continue to do so today…
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Presidential Message on Diwali, 2019
"As Diwali commences, Melania and I wish those observing the Festival of Lights a blessed and happy celebration.
For many Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists in the United States and around the globe, this sacred period is an opportunity to commemorate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Throughout this holy time, members of these faiths engage in prayer, light diyas and lanterns, and partake in traditional feasts and other festivities with friends and family.
The observance of Diwali…
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Secretary Pompeo With Stephen Bisaha of KMUW Radio - China
"QUESTION: Then along those lines, United States and China have agreed on a preliminary trade deal earlier this month. In regards to Kansas farmers, what would that trade agreement mean for them?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Yeah, I hope we get that done. President Trump’s described it as a phase one deal, the first part. It would have a – important implications for Kansas agriculture, Iowa agriculture, people who are ranchers and farmers all across this region. I’m very hopeful we’ll do that. I remember when I…
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As Prepared Remarks by Secretary Esper at the German Marshall Fund in Brussels - China
"Throughout my travels over my first three months as Secretary of Defense, I heard first-hand from allies and partners around the world about the damage that is being done. China’s “One-Belt, One-Road” Initiative has left several nations with unsustainable debt, forcing them to trade sovereignty for financial relief. Even developed nations fear China’s growing leverage, which not only impacts their economic and political decisions, but perhaps worse, leads them to make sub-optimal security decisions.
I would caution my friends in Europe against adopting the mindset…