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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Palau National Day
"On behalf of the people of the United States, I congratulate the government and the citizens of Palau as you mark your 25th Independence Day.
This occasion also marks 25 years of diplomatic ties between Palau and the United States. The bond between our peoples has existed far longer, resting on the foundation of democratic values, respect for human rights, and a safe and secure Indo-Pacific region. Nothing speaks to our close relationship more than the events that took place seventy-five years ago, when U.S…
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The People’s Republic of China National Day
"On behalf of the people of the United States, I offer congratulations to the people of China as you celebrate your National Day on October 1.
The United States wishes the people of China happiness, health, peace and prosperity in the year to come."
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Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Quad Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, and Japan
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met with the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, and Japan in New York to discuss collective efforts to advance a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The four countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to close cooperation on maritime security, quality infrastructure, and regional connectivity in support of a rules-based order that promotes stability, growth, and economic prosperity. The Ministers discussed counter-terrorism and cyber security as other priority areas for ongoing engagement. The four countries reaffirmed their strong support for ASEAN…
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Tuvalu’s Independence Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my sincerest congratulations to the people of Tuvalu in recognition of the 41st anniversary of your independence on October 1.
The United States has been a friend of Tuvalu since your independence in 1978, and our close ties extend back to earlier generations. We welcome your commitment to advancing our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region with other democracies in the Pacific region including Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, and…
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Secretary Michael R. Pompeo at a Press Availability - North Korea
"QUESTION: Good morning, Mr. Secretary. Ben Marks with NHK. On North Korea, the North Koreans said that they had intentions to meet with the U.S. some time this month, yet the foreign minister did not come to UNGA this year. I’d just like to get your reaction on that. And are there any concrete planned meetings in the near future between the U.S. and North Korea?
SECRETARY POMPEO: So we’ve seen these public statements that indicated that we were hopeful there’d be meetings – working-level…
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Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Abe of Japan Before Bilateral Meeting
"PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, thank you very much. We have some of our great farmers and ranchers and businesspeople in the room, and likewise Japan. And we have tremendous representatives — some of the biggest people anywhere in the world — what we’re going and the agreement that we just signed. And it’s an honor to have you with us. I thought you could join us for this meeting.
We’ll be talking about certain elements of business and trade, and it would be good to have…
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Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Abe of Japan in Signing of Joint Trade Agreement
"[PRESIDENT TRUMP:] In a moment, the Prime Minister and I will sign a document outlining the significant steps we’re taking toward a fair and reciprocal trade agreement. We insist on fairness and we insist on reciprocal — we want reciprocal agreements from now on because — and I’m not just talking about Japan. I’m talking about virtually every nation in the world. They have not been reciprocal. They’ve been one-way streets.
Under the market access agreement that we’re announcing today, Japan will open new markets…
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Remarks by President Trump in Press Conference - China
"Q Thank you. Kristina Partsinevelos, Fox Business. I want to focus on markets, because I’ll leave it to everybody else to talk about impeachment. Markets reacted positively after you spoke about China, and that it would happen sooner than — rather than unexpectedly.
Yet, you have the Foreign Minister of China saying that they have no intention of, you know, unseating the United States. And yet, they’re investing heavily in infrastructure and military.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Not anymore, maybe.
Q But what — what is different…
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Joint Statement of the United States and Japan
"We, President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, confirm and welcome final agreement on the United States-Japan Trade Agreement and the United States-Japan Digital Trade Agreement. We share the desire that these agreements will be signed at the earliest possible date and enter into force in the very near future, following the completion of our respective domestic procedures.
The United States-Japan Trade Agreement will eliminate or reduce tariffs on certain agricultural and industrial products to enhance bilateral trade in a robust, stable, and…
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The United States Imposes Sanctions on Chinese Companies for Transporting Iranian Oil
"Today, the United States is taking further action as part of our maximum economic pressure campaign against the Iranian regime and those who enable its destabilizing behavior. We are imposing sanctions on certain Chinese firms for knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the transport of oil from Iran, including knowledge of sanctionable conduct, contrary to U.S. sanctions. This is one of the largest sanctions actions the United States has taken against entities and individuals identified as transporting Iranian oil since our sanctions were re-imposed…