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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Presidential Message to Congress Regarding the Notification of Initiation of United States–Japan Trade Agreement
"On October 16, 2018, my Administration notified the Congress that I intended to initiate trade negotiations with Japan on a United States-Japan Trade Agreement. As stated in that notification and subsequent consultations with the Congress, my Administration proposed pursuing negotiations with Japan in stages. I am pleased to report that my Administration has reached an initial trade agreement regarding tariff barriers (the “agreement”) with Japan and I intend to enter into the agreement in the coming weeks.
Accordingly, pursuant to section 103(a)(2) of the Bipartisan…
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Remarks by President Trump and Crown Prince Salman of Bahrain Before Bilateral Meeting - North Korea
"Q Did Chairman Kim invite you to North Korea in that (inaudible)?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: I don’t want to comment on that.
Q Okay.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: The relationship is very good, but I don’t want to comment on it.
Q Would you be willing to go there?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: I just don’t think it’s appropriate for me to comment.
Q Would you be willing to go to North Korea?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Probably not. I don’t think it’s ready. I don’t think we’re ready for that. I…
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Secretary Michael R. Pompeo’s Phone Call with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi
"Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke with the new Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi today. Secretary Pompeo congratulated the Foreign Minister on his new position and reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Japan Alliance. The Secretary reiterated the shared goal of final and fully verified denuclearization of North Korea, and U.S. commitment to continue working with the Government of Japan, across a broad agenda of regional and global issues.
Secretary Pompeo emphasized the need for constructive dialogue between Japan and the Republic of Korea and for cooperating…
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On the Passing of Tongan Prime Minister Samiuela ‘Akilisi Pōhiva
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to the people of Tonga on the passing of Prime Minister Samiuela ‘Akilisi Pōhiva on September 12.
Prime Minister Pōhiva was a respected leader in the Pacific long before he was elected to head Tonga’s government. His hard work and dedication throughout his life and career steered the course of politics in Tonga and strengthened regional cohesion. His energetic engagement at the Pacific Islands Forum just…
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Remarks by President Trump at the 2019 House Republican Conference Member Retreat Dinner - China
"I will tell you, we’re doing very well with China, because China would like to do something. We’re taking in billions and billions of tariffs. And they’re eating the cost. This is not being borne very much by us. They’re eating the costs. But we’re taking in billions and billions. Money flowing in. We’ve never taken in 10 cents from China. And they want to do something because their supply lines, their supply chains, are being broken like toys. And people are leaving, and people…
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Secretary Michael R. Pompeo at the Concerned Women for America 40th Anniversary Luncheon - China
"And I want to talk about one of those things that I am confident that this commission will do: They will talk about this right to religious freedom, the most important freedom in many respects. And I want to do it by telling a story. I want to tell a story about a man named Yusuf, a Uighur Muslim from Xinjiang, China. He was living in Pakistan when the Chinese Government began its systematic repression of Uighurs back in 2017. As part of its campaign…
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On the Passing of Former Indonesian President B.J. Habibie
On behalf of the Government of the United States, I want to convey my deepest condolences to former President B.J. Habibie’s family and the people of Indonesia on his passing. President Habibie led his country and people through a key period of Indonesia’s remarkable democratic transition, and made lasting contributions to Indonesia’s economic development, including through his commitment to promoting science and technology. In this time of mourning, please accept our deepest sympathy and reassurances that the United States will long remember President Habibie’s friendship…