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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Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure - China
"THE PRESIDENT: So, we just made what, I guess, is one of the biggest deals that’s been made in a long time, with China. The Vice Premier has just left my office. We have a great deal. We’re papering it now. Over the next three or four or five weeks, hopefully it’ll get finished. A tremendous benefit to our farmers, technology, and many other things — the banking industry, financial services.
And, I guess, by now, you know pretty much we’ve had a very, very…
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Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Chris Bundgaard of WKRN-TV - China
"QUESTION: If I can do one more and ask about the NBA and —
SECRETARY POMPEO: Sure. Go ahead.
QUESTION: Yeah. I mean, this – I’m told this is something you’d like to talk about. An NBA executive tweets support for the Hong Kong protestors. Does this harm what is going on in the delicate negotiations with China, between the U.S. —
SECRETARY POMPEO: The trade negotiations are ongoing, but importantly, there are deep, important freedoms that American businesses are entitled to. We hope that…
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks at the American Association of Christian Counselors - China
"This administration has spoken to the truth in many ways that previous administrations haven’t done. (Applause.) For example, on China’s rule-breaking and authoritarianism; for example, on why the Islamic Republic of Iran is an aggressor, not a victim; for why, in fact, we know in our hearts that America is a force for good in the world. (Applause.)
And I’m especially telling the truth about the dire condition of religious freedom around the world. America has a proud history of religious freedom, and we want…
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Remarks by Secretary Esper at an Honor Cordon Welcoming President of the Federated States of Micronesia Panuelo to the Pentagon
"SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MARK T. ESPER: Well, President Panuelo, it is a pleasure to welcome you to the Pentagon and to meet you for the first time. Thank you very much for coming here today.
I understand you just arrived from a visit to INDOPACOM, and I hope you enjoyed your meeting with our personnel in Hawaii.
The security relationship between the United States and Micronesia continues to be very close, and I'm hopeful it will get even closer.
We are very proud, as you…
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Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Jason Lamb of WTVF-TV - China
"QUESTION: You mentioned the Uighurs in China. This week, you increased sanctions, visa restrictions on officials in China who are taking part in the oppression of those Muslim minorities, the Uighurs, some of whom are sent to camps against their will in China. Are those restrictions, along with all the other pressure that’s being faced to China right now – is that going to be enough to get China to change the direction here?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Well, I hope so. I hope the world will…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence in a Press Gaggle - China
"Q You know, growing up here in Iowa, I have a lot of friends who are farmers. My grandma — my family owns a dairy farm. And obviously, a lot — you spoke of, today, these — these countries are going to be the most helpful. And it’s sort of been — they’re in for the — they’re banking on the long-term — long-term effects of your presidency’s plan — Trump’s presidency’s plans to benefit them, and it’s been a hard few years.
And what…
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Secretary Pompeo With Judy Woodruff of PBS NewsHour - China
"QUESTION: China. The NewsHour has just completed a series of reports on China, and I want to ask you about what the administration is doing with regard to China. Just yesterday, the State Department has been – and this week is stepping up sanctions on Chinese officials, Chinese firms that have been involved in repressing Muslim minorities in China, the Uighurs, the Kazakhs, and others.
But how complicit, my question is, is China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, in all of this?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Well, Xi…
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Remarks By Secretary Ross at the AMCHAM [American Chamber of Commerce] Business Lunch in Sydney, Australia
"Thank you, April, for that kind introduction, and thank you for your efforts to strengthen and expand the U.S.- Australian commercial partnership. It is my pleasure to be here. After having been in London, New Delhi, and Singapore over the past week, I’m feeling a bit like Mad Max! But we know that Mad Max always prevails; and the original is still the most profitable film of all time.
I just finished a productive meeting with Trade Minister Simon Birmingham, and a wonderful meeting with Prime…