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
All Posts
Text
Vice President Pence and Prime Minister Abe of Japan's Remarks in Joint Press Statements
"Thank you, Prime Minister Abe, for those kind words and for the warm hospitality that you’ve shown to Karen and me. This is our third visit to Japan since I became Vice President. And it is my great honor to be with you today to reflect the remarkable bond that exists between our two nations.
And I’m here today on behalf of a friend of yours and a great champion of the U.S.-Japan alliance, President Donald Trump. I know the President is very much looking…
Text
Vice President Pence’s Meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc of Vietnam
"Vice President Pence met with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc of Vietnam to reaffirm the United States-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership. Noting the 25th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations in 2020, they agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation across economic and security realms, including by addressing barriers to trade and by enhancing maritime security cooperation in the South China Sea. The Vice President thanked Vietnam for its cooperation on recovery operations of missing U.S. personnel and for supporting the pressure campaign on North Korea. They agreed to work…
Text
Vice President Pence and Prime Minister Abe of Japan's Remarks Before Bilateral Meeting
"Well, thank you, Prime Minister Abe. It is a great honor for me to be here on my third visit to Japan. And I bring greetings and the warmest regards from your friend, President Donald Trump.
The Japan-U.S. alliance is historically the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. And when the President directed me to represent him at the ASEAN and APEC conference, we knew that coming to Japan first was the right step. And I’m grateful for your hospitality and time.
The…
Text
Vice President Pence's Op-Ed in The Washington Post on US-Indo-Pacific Relations
We seek an Indo-Pacific — from the United States to India, from Japan to Australia, and everywhere in between — where sovereignty is respected, where commerce flows unhindered and where independent nations are masters of their own destinies. This region, which includes more than half of Earth’s surface and population, has experienced great progress when these principles have been respected. While some nations now seek to undermine this foundation, the United States is taking decisive action to protect our interests and promote the Indo-Pacific’s shared…
Text
On the Occasion of Diwali
"On behalf of the Department of State, I would like to wish all those celebrating Diwali a joyous and prosperous holiday.
Also known as the “Festival of Lights,” this special occasion celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. Nearly a billion celebrants from around the world will light the diya, or lamp, as a reminder that good ultimately overcomes evil, understanding over ignorance, and kindness over animosity. Diwali is also a time of reflection and prayer when observers perform seva, or selfless service, without any…
Text
Vice President Pence's Interview with Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman of “Politico Playbook Live”
"And, frankly, just so everybody knows, our — other nations of the world are already doing this. China recently tested a space-based missile that took out one of their satellites to demonstrate, presumably, that they could do it. Other countries are testing new satellite systems that have the ability to move close to and in proximity of other satellites, with disruptive intent, presumably.
So we just got to stay in the forefront. We’ve got to be as dominant for security in space. But we have…
Text
Vice President Pence's Interview with Robert Costa at the Washington Post's Space Summit "Transformers: Space" - China
"And so the first order of business is ensuring that the infrastructure of our satellite technology is protected. And the reality is, the more we look at our competitors in space — chiefly among them are China and Russia — we see the deployment of technologies by both of those countries — anti-satellite technologies.
China, not long ago, actually tested a missile that took out one of their own satellites. We’re seeing the deployment of additional, new anti-satellite technology that’s placed into orbit, literally satellites…
Text
Vice President Pence's Remarks on the Administration’s Policy Toward China
"But our message to China’s rulers is this: This President will not back down. (Applause.) The American people will not be swayed. And we will continue to stand strong for our security and our economy, even as we hope for improved relations with Beijing.
Our administration is going to continue to act decisively to protect America’s interests, American jobs, and American security.
As we rebuild our military, we will continue to assert American interests across the Indo-Pacific.
As we respond to China’s trade practices, we…
Text
Vice President Pence's Remarks with Vice President Kalla of the Republic of Indonesia Before Bilateral Meeting
"Let me say it’s a great honor to be here with Vice President Kalla. I had the great privilege of traveling to Indonesia last year, representing the United States.
And we are so grateful for the leadership across the region, and the example across the world, that Indonesia represents in its commitment to religious pluralism and also its commitment to a strong alliance, now 70 years between the United States and Indonesia.
I look forward to returning to the region later this year for the…
Text
Vice President Pence's Remarks at Presentation of the U.S. Flag to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation
"We cherish our alliance with the Republic of Korea, well represented here today by not only their ambassador, but members of their military. It is an alliance forged in freedom, on the battlefield, and through generations. And as the world saw this week, we continue to make progress toward our goal of forging a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula free of nuclear weapons.
As we’re all aware, just recently, Kim Jong Un announced his commitment to allow nuclear inspections subject to final negotiations, and…
Text
Vice President Pence's Meeting with Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh of Mongolia
"Vice President Mike Pence met today with Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh of Mongolia to reiterate the strong bilateral relationship between Mongolia and the United States. The two leaders discussed their newly expanded comprehensive partnership and the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation’s $350 million compact with Mongolia. The Vice President recognized the strong support that Mongolia has pledged to continue to provide to NATO’s Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan and Mongolia’s continued enforcement of UN sanctions on North Korea. The two leaders also discussed other issues of…