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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Malaysia National Day
"On behalf of the government of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Malaysia as you celebrate your National Day on August 31.
Over the past 62 years of Malaysia’s independence, our countries have forged close bonds rooted in our common interests to promote prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Our security, economic, and people-to-people ties continue to grow stronger each day. We look forward to many more years of friendship and cooperation between our two countries.
Please accept our best wishes…
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Secretary Pompeo With Hugh Hewitt of The Hugh Hewitt Show - China
"QUESTION: Now Mr. Secretary, you have met with President Xi of China. Your counterpart there as well has been a frequent negotiating partner of you. Dr. Kissinger’s book on China notes, China’s got a 4,000-year history and they often play a very long game. They’re the oldest civilization in the world; we’re the youngest. Do we have the smarts to negotiate with them, or at least get to a draw in this current confrontation?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Oh, of course. Look, it is the case that…
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Department of Defense Press Briefing by Secretary Esper - China, North Korea, Japan, and South Korea
"Earlier this month, I traveled to the Indo-Pacific region on my first overseas trip. Many of you traveled with me. That region is our priority theater, so it was important to demonstrate my commitment to our allies and partners there and to hear firsthand from my foreign counterparts and heads of state.
Together, we are committed to defending our shared values and upholding core principles such as respect for all nations' sovereignty, adherence to international rules and norms, and to our mutual security.
It is…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence at the 101st American Legion National Convention - China and North Korea
"We’ve put China on notice that we will no longer tolerate their unfair and abusive trade practices. And the United States military will ensure the freedom of navigation on the Seven Seas around the world. (Applause.) [...]
Beyond that, from the outset of this administration, this President also stood strong against North Korean aggression, and now North Korea is at the negotiating table. As I stand before you today, there’s no more nuclear tests, no more threats against America. Three historic meetings have taken place. And…
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Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo with Tony Katz of the Tony Katz Radio Show - China and Japan
"QUESTION: Let us now go back to just a few days. The G7 summit takes place in France. Media has said that President Trump had a ridiculous time. The stories coming out, people seemed to like him and think that he did pretty well. And one of the things that came out of this was a trade deal with Japan. You were born in California and spent your life in Kansas. I was born in Brooklyn, lived six years in Los Angeles, and now I…
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Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo With Rafael Sanchez of ABC WRTV - China
"QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, Hoosier farmers are anxious because of the tariff war we’re having with China, and they want to be able to sell their corn and their soybean, but they’re concerned. What do you tell them, as they wonder what’s going to happen? Because they’re getting nervous. They are nervous.
SECRETARY POMPEO: So any time there’s difficulty, anybody – any time there’s a job loss or someone’s got a little bit harder time on their farm, President Trump regrets that. But we came in…
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Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo With Karen Campbell of NBC WTHR - China and North Korea
"QUESTION: I wanted to start out talking about the G7 summit, just wrapped up. President Trump talked about a lot of issues, and what I want to start with is China and the trade war. Many people believe that these proposed tariffs, if they go through, could lead the U.S. into a potential recession. I wanted to get your thoughts on that.
SECRETARY POMPEO: So I used to represent a place not unlike Indiana, but Kansas – farmers, manufacturers. I ran a small manufacturing company…
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Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo With Dan Spehler of FOX59 WXIN and CBS4 WTTV - China
"QUESTION: I want to talk about the trade war as well. The President at the G7 this past week – obviously, a lot of talk about trade and China. Farmers here in Indiana have really been struggling this year. You recently told a group of business executives that you think the trade war with China could come to an end by next year’s election. Are those talks ongoing, and how are they progressing?
SECRETARY POMPEO: President Trump took on a challenge that I knew well…