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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Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith
"Secretary Pompeo met today with Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith on the margins of the ASEAN-centered ministerials in Singapore. The Secretary welcomed Laos as the United States’ incoming ASEAN coordinator, and underscored the U.S. commitment to the Lower Mekong Initiative, through which the United States partners with Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam to advance transboundary cooperation. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister affirmed our strong bilateral ties, and highlighted the positive impact of cooperation on development assistance, the clearance of unexploded ordnance, and…
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Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono
"On August 4, Secretary Pompeo met with Japanese Foreign Minister Kono in Singapore to discuss next steps on DPRK engagement. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Kono reaffirmed our commitment to the final, fully verified denuclearization of the DPRK. The Secretary and Minister agreed that pressure must continue until the DPRK denuclearizes. They also affirmed the strength of the U.S.-Japan Alliance and vowed to continue working together closely to address common challenges, seize shared opportunities, and advance the interests of both the United States and Japan…
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U.S. Security Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Region
"At the ASEAN Regional Forum on August 4, Secretary Pompeo announced the intent to provide nearly $300 million in security assistance to improve security relationships across the Indo-Pacific region. This assistances includes $290.5 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to strengthen maritime security, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR), and peacekeeping capabilities, and $8.5 million in International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INCLE) funds to counter transnational crime. This funding commitment comes shortly after Secretary Pompeo and other senior Administration officials announced new economic and development initiatives at…
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Joint Statement on the Eleventh Ministerial Meeting of the Lower Mekong Initiative
"The Secretary and the Foreign Ministers approved a joint plan to update and streamline the LMI [Lower Mekong Initiative] to be more dynamic in responding to the sub-region’s needs by combining previous work streams into two inclusive pillars: 1) the Water, Energy, Food, and Environment Nexus; and 2) Human Development and Connectivity (which will include but is not limited to activities related to connectivity, health, and education). Member countries will integrate the themes of gender equality and women’s empowerment, connectivity, and public-private partnership across all…
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Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Indonesian Foreign Minister Marsudi
"Secretary Mike Pompeo met with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in Jakarta on August 4, reaffirming close bilateral relations and a strong U.S.-Indonesia Strategic Partnership as we look ahead to celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties in 2019. The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for Indonesia’s leadership role in ASEAN, and congratulated Indonesia on its upcoming term in the UN Security Council. The Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed bilateral cooperation and multilateral engagement on regional security challenges, including the DPRK and counterterrorism, as well…
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Press Availability at the 51st ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings
"Throughout my ASEAN-centered engagements these past days I’ve conveyed President Trump’s commitment to this vital part of the world that continues to grow in importance. Security has been a major focus of our conversations. As part of our commitment to advancing regional security in the Indo-Pacific, the United States is excited to announce nearly $300 million in new funding to reinforce security cooperation throughout the entire region. This new security assistance will advance our shared priorities, especially to strengthen maritime security, develop humanitarian assistance and…
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Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
"Today in Singapore, Secretary Pompeo met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and reaffirmed the enduring U.S.-Singapore strategic partnership. They also discussed shared priorities during Singapore’s 2018 ASEAN chairmanship, trade and investment in the Indo-Pacific region, and continued cooperation on regional challenges, including the DPRK and South China Sea."
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Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad
"Secretary Pompeo met with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir to congratulate the new government and all of the Malaysian people on competitive elections and the peaceful transition of authority between governments. They discussed ways to work together to strengthen the U.S.-Malaysia Comprehensive Partnership based on shared democratic values, including advancing mutual security and economic interests across the Indo-Pacific."
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks at the U.S.-ASEAN Ministerial
"The United States is a Pacific nation, and we remain committed to ASEAN centrality under our Indo-Pacific strategy. Earlier this week, on Monday, I gave remarks on the Indo-Pacific and announced new United States commitments to the region. This included a $113 million down payment on a new era in U.S. economic commitment to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. Last year, we celebrated ASEAN’s 50th anniversary, as well as 40 years of U.S.-ASEAN relations. We look forward to broadening and deepening our Strategic Partnership…
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks at the Lower Mekong Initiative Ministerial
"Allow me to highlight a few of our recent successes and new programs under the LMI [Lower Mekong Initiative]. Our flagship education program, Connecting the Mekong through Education and Training, has given over 44,000 students access to opportunities to learn innovative skills in high demand in the private sector. Another training opportunity comes in the form of the U.S.-Singapore Third Country Training Program, which continues to strengthen ASEAN’s capacity to address modern challenges ranging from cybersecurity to waste management. Our U.S. Department of Agriculture will…