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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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks With Traveling Press - North Korea

"QUESTION: North Korea has a delegation they just announced yesterday going this week to Russia and to China, and then also having a meeting with Russia and China led by the vice foreign minister. What’s your reaction to that?

SECRETARY POMPEO: So we talk with Choe Son-hui all the time. We know her as well. We know that China is going to be part of the solution. They’ll ultimately be – when we get to the end, we will have signed a peace – if…

Secretary Pompeo's Remarks to the Media - North Korea

"QUESTION: I wanted to ask about North Korea, Mr. Secretary. The North Koreans have a new commentary saying the end-of-war declaration issue should’ve been resolved half a century ago in light of your trip coming up. Will it be resolved this weekend? And if not, what would be the reasoning against offering this?

SECRETARY POMPEO: So I’m not going to comment on the progress of the negotiations on the end-of-war declaration or any other items, only to say this: I’m very happy to be going…

Secretary Pompeo's Travel to Tokyo, [Japan,] Pyongyang, [North Korea,] Seoul, [South Korea,] and Beijing [China]

"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo will travel to Tokyo, Japan; Pyongyang, DPRK; Seoul, Republic of Korea; and Beijing, China from October 6-8.

In Tokyo, October 6-7, the Secretary will meet with Prime Minister Abe and Foreign Minister Taro Kono.

In Pyongyang, October 7, the Secretary will meet with Chairman Kim Jong Un.

In Seoul, October 7-8, the Secretary will meet with President Moon Jae-in, and Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha.

In Beijing, October 8, the Secretary will meet with his Chinese counterparts to discuss bilateral…

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…

Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Burmese Minister for the Office of the State Counsellor Kyaw Tint Swe

"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met September 27 with Burmese Minister for the Office of the State Counsellor Kyaw Tint Swe in New York on the margins of the UN General Assembly meetings. While underscoring U.S. support for the democratic transition in Burma and efforts to achieve national peace and reconciliation, the Secretary urged the Government of Burma to take concrete steps to investigate the human rights abuses chronicled by the U.S. Documentation Report and UN Fact Finding Mission and to hold accountable members…

Secretary Pompeo's Remarks on China's National Day

"On behalf of the people of the United States, I wish congratulations to the People’s Republic of China as you celebrate your National Day on October 1.

Please know that the United States wishes you a joyous holiday, and that this year brings peace and prosperity."

Remarks at a Meeting on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

"We want to see that time come as quickly as possible. But the path to peace and a brighter future is only through diplomacy and only denuclearization. That means any other path North Korea may choose will inevitably lead to ever-increasing isolation and pressure.

It is imperative for members of the United Nations to take that to heart. Enforcement of UN Security Council sanctions must continue vigorously and without fail until we realize the fully, final, verified denuclearization. The members of this council must set…

Secretary Pompeo's Participation in the [UN Security Council Permanent Members] P5 Ministerial Breakfast - North Korea

"Secretary Michael R. Pompeo met this morning with UN Secretary-General Guterres and his British, Chinese, French, and Russian counterparts as Permanent Members of the UN Security Council. Secretary Pompeo emphasized the importance of working together to address pressing global challenges.

Secretary Pompeo emphasized the need to fully implement UN Security Council resolutions in order to achieve the final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea. He also pressed for the re-imposition of sanctions to pressure Iran to change its malign behavior, which continues to threaten regional…

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…

Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With North Korean Foreign Minister Ri

"Today, Secretary Pompeo met with Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in New York. Secretary Pompeo accepted Chairman Kim’s invitation to travel to Pyongyang next month to make further progress on the implementation of the commitments from the U.S.-DPRK Singapore summit, including the final, fully verified denuclearization of the DPRK, and to prepare for a second summit between President Trump and Chairman Kim."

Secretary Pompeo's Interview With Norah O'Donnell of CBS News - North Korea

"QUESTION: South Korean President Moon Jae-in said that he was going to deliver a secret message from Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, to President Trump. What was in that message?

SECRETARY POMPEO: So the messages that we’ve been receiving from Chairman Kim have been very consistent. They are that he is intent on denuclearizing, he understands that, he understands the scope of that and what that means. He’s been very consistent in his commitment to delivering on that promise. We need to find our…

Secretary Pompeo's Remarks at Press Briefing on President Trump's Agenda at the UN General Assembly

"Q Okay, then let me ask my second question. North Korea. You’re having a lot of talks with North Korea. You’re not seeing what you need to in terms of denuclearization. How long do you leave the door open before you decide this isn’t working?

SECRETARY POMPEO: Yeah, John, look, you have to remember this is a process that will move forward. To set a date certain would be foolish. But make no mistake about it — the conversations that we’re having are important. They’re…