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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National Day of the Federated States of Micronesia
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I would like to congratulate the people of the Federated States of Micronesia in recognition of its 34th anniversary of independence on November 3.
Our two countries enjoy a warm friendship, strengthened by our cooperation in advancing our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific with other democracies in the region. Our people continue to enjoy close ties, and we recognize the service and sacrifice of many citizens of the Federated States of…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Phuc
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi, Vietnam. Secretary Pompeo expressed condolences over the loss of life due to significant flooding as a result of Tropical Storm Linfa and Typhoon Molave and was pleased to announce an additional $2 million in USAID assistance to support response efforts, bringing total funding from the U.S. Government to more than $2.1 million to date. The Secretary congratulated the Prime Minister on Vietnam’s superb chairmanship of ASEAN during a…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Vietnamese Minister for Public Security Lam
"Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo met today with Vietnamese Minister for Public Security To Lam in Hanoi, Vietnam. Secretary Pompeo and Minister Lam emphasized the importance of growing bilateral security cooperation in the Mekong region and the benefits that a strengthened U.S. – Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership can bring to both of our nations."
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Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Minh READOUT
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh today in Hanoi, Vietnam. Secretary Pompeo and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Minh reaffirmed our expanding Comprehensive Partnership that spans political, security, economic and people-to-people ties as we celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations this year. The Secretary applauded Vietnam’s successful chairmanship of ASEAN during 2020. Secretary Pompeo underscored support for the sovereignty of Southeast Asian nations, international law, and a free and open Indo Pacific."
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Unalienable Rights and Traditions of Tolerance
"SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you for that kind introduction. Selamat siang to you all.
Mr. General Secretary, it is wonderful to be here. I have been looking forward to this since the day that we found a date that worked and were able to accept the invitation. It was most gracious of you to invite me here and I am ecstatic to be part of this event today.
I want to make sure and thank all the people who made this happen. I want to thank…
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Secretary Pompeo And Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi
"SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you very much. Madam Minister, thank you. Hello, everyone. It’s great to see you again, and it’s wonderful to be back here in Indonesia. I visited here early in my tenure as Secretary of State, but once was certainly not enough. Good to be back. It was important for me to return to keep strengthening this foundational, pivotal relationship in Southeast Asia.
And Madam Minister, I want to say to you how much I’ve appreciated your engagement on the Afghanistan peace process…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today in Jakarta, Indonesia, with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. They discussed ways the United States and Indonesia can work together to promote a prosperous, secure, and democratic Indo-Pacific region, as well as strategies for building stronger economic ties between our two countries. Secretary Pompeo and President Joko Widodo also reviewed recent security developments across the Indo-Pacific and discussed ways to enhance cooperation on maritime security, supply chains, and post-pandemic economic recovery."
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Arrest and Detention of Student Democracy Activists in Hong Kong Under the National Security Law
"The United States strongly condemns the arrest and detention of three student democracy activists and calls on Hong Kong authorities to release those that remain detained immediately. The Beijing-controlled Hong Kong government continues to stifle dissent, repress public opinion, and use law enforcement for political purposes.
The People’s Republic of China has violated its international obligations under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, while the Chinese Communist Party and its Hong Kong proxies crush the promised autonomy of Hong Kong, and eviscerate Hong Kong’s respect for…
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Secretary Pompeo and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at a Press Availability
"SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Minister. Hello, everyone. It’s wonderful to be in here, Colombo. It’s most special because indeed, as you said, we’re one day short of 72 years of our diplomatic relations between our two countries, a remarkable anniversary for each of us.
The foreign minister and I had a great conversation. I had a chance to congratulate him on his reappointment – well done – and had a very positive conversation with President Rajapaksa a bit earlier this morning as…
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Secretary Pompeo With Indeewari Amuwatte of Derana TV
"QUESTION: Thank you for your time here with us in Colombo, Secretary Pompeo. Your visit here is termed crucial. It’s seen as a rare one and peculiar given the timing of the visit. What’s so important that you had to communicate at this juncture?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Well, thanks for giving me a chance to be with you. I appreciate it. It’s been wonderful to be here in Colombo.
Look, the – I’m in this region a lot. I had planned to come here earlier. The…
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Secretary Pompeo and Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid at a Press Availability
"SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you, Mr. Foreign Minister. Thank you. Hello, everyone. Perhaps I’ll get fortunate and there’ll be a mechanical problem with my airplane, and I’ll get to see a sunset and a sunrise. I also want to thank President Solih for inviting me to visit Male. This is indeed a beautiful – it’s a beautiful city and a beautiful country, and I’m happy to have the opportunity to be here.
We had an incredibly productive conversation, positive meetings. It’s safe to say that our…
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Secretary Pompeo With Prasad Dodangodage of Rupavahini TV
"QUESTION: Secretary Pompeo, now, your visit in Sri Lanka made headlines in many ways. First, it’s taking place just before the U.S. presidential elections. Then there was a statement made by a State Department official on Sri Lanka. So there are many speculated definitions for this visit. So what’s your definition for this visit?
SECRETARY POMPEO: So I’ve traveled to this region many times. It’s an important region for the United States. We value democratic friendships all across the world. I had hoped to get…