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 and Secretary Esper's Remarks on US Alliance with South Korea
"American presidents have long asked allies to pay more for their own defense—often with lackluster results. But both the U.S. and South Korea now face strategic challenges so large and complex that neither country can afford to allow the status quo to continue. That’s the context of America’s discussions with South Korea about a new special measures agreement.
The U.S.-South Korea alliance is the linchpin of peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia. Shared values of democracy, the rule of law and open economies form the…
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Readout of Secretary Esper's Meeting With Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono
"On January 14, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper hosted Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono at the Pentagon, where they reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Japan Alliance and reflected on its evolution since the signing of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security sixty years ago.
Secretary Esper and Minister Kono exchanged views on the Middle East and affirmed their commitment to advancing maritime security goals in the region. Secretary Esper reiterated the U.S. commitment to the full implementation of President Trump and Chairman Kim’s…
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Secretary Esper and [Japanese Defense] Minister Kono Press Conference
"SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MARK T. ESPER: Well good afternoon, everyone. Minister Kono, it is a pleasure to host you today as we honor the strong defense relationship between the United States and Japan. This Sunday, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.
The agreement formalized our commitment to addressing shared security concerns on the basis of freedom and democracy. Since then, we have united to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region and to uphold…
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Secretary Pompeo, Secretary of Defense Esper, Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and Indian Minister of Defense Shri Rajnath Singh at a Press Availability
"SECRETARY POMPEO: Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the two ministers from India. Welcome to Washington. Thank you for your leadership in the growing U.S.-India Strategic Partnership. Secretary Esper and I are honored to host the Second 2+2, the first one here in Washington, DC. The Trump administration has prioritized closer ties with New Delhi from President Trump and Prime Minster Modi’s event in Houston in September to this 2+2 Ministerial here today and my productive visit to India in the summer of this year.
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Secretary Esper and Singapore Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen Signing Memorandum of Understanding
"SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MARK T. ESPER: Well, let me just say a few things. Mr. Minister, thank you again for being here today. It is an honor to sign this memorandum of understanding to establish Singapore's permanent fighter training presence on Guam. This agreement is indicative of the strong bonds between the United States and the Republic of Singapore particularly with respect to our defense cooperation. Today's signing continues the momentum in our growing relationship following the renewal of the 1990 memorandum of understanding by…
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Readout of Meeting Between Secretary Esper and Singapore Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen
"Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper and Singapore Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen met on the sidelines of the Reagan National Defense Forum where they discussed a range of issues on the bilateral defense relationship. They affirmed the importance of continuing to enhance our defense partnership following the renewal of the U.S.-Singapore Memorandum of Understanding by President Trump and Prime Minister Lee in September. The Secretary expressed appreciation for the regional access Singapore provides to U.S. forces, and both sides looked forward to further…
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Remarks By Secretary Esper in a Preflight Press Gaggle - Briefing on Indo-Pacific Trip
"SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MARK T. ESPER: Yeah, so I -- my second trip to the INDOPACOM theater. My first was in, what, August, a few months ago. This is my second, so two trips to our priority theater in a span of three to four months. I think it shows to you the importance we place on this theater with regard to our National Defense Strategy, and this was, what, seven-, eight-day trip.
Once again, we met with our traditional allies and with potential new…