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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Philippines – U.S. Joint Defense Statement
"U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana met in Manila, Philippines on November 19, 2019, to discuss a broad range of shared security interests and priorities. Both secretaries praised the enduring Philippines-United States Alliance, built on a strong foundation of shared values, sacrifices, and history, and bolstered by common interests and people-to-people ties. They pledged to expand cooperation and strengthen the bilateral alliance, a 70-year partnership that ensures both countries' mutual security and contributes to the peace…
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Secretary Esper's Meeting with People’s Republic of China’s Minister of National Defense General Wei Fenghe
Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper met with the State Councilor and Minister of National Defense, General Wei Fenghe, of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the margins of the ASEAN Defense Minister’s Meeting Plus held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Secretary Esper held a productive exchange with General Wei in their first in-person meeting since his appointment as Secretary of Defense. Building on their November 5, 2019, video teleconference discussion, the Secretary further defined his vision and priorities for a constructive, results-oriented U.S.-China defense relationship…
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Readout for Japan Bilateral Meeting ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM+)
"Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper met with Defense Minister Kono Taro in Bangkok, Thailand on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (Plus).
Both leaders reaffirmed that the U.S.-Japan Alliance remains the cornerstone for peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, and discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen the Alliance to meet the dynamic challenges of today’s security environment.
Secretary Esper and Minister Kono recommitted to maintaining a free and open region and a rules based order in the East and South China…
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Readout of Secretary Esper's Bilateral Engagement With India Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh
"Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper met with Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh of India to reaffirm our shared commitment to democratic values and a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Noting the importance both countries place on engagement with Southeast Asia, Secretary Esper highlighted opportunities to increase U.S.-India collaboration across the region and reinforce our commitment to a rules-based security architecture with ASEAN at its core. The Secretary also welcomed the deepening security ties between India and the United States—including the first-ever US-India tri-service exercise…
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Joint Communiqué of the 51st ROK-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting
"1. The 51st Republic of Korea (ROK)-United States (U.S.) Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) was held in Seoul, on November 15, 2019. ROK Minister of National Defense Jeong Kyeongdoo and U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper led their respective delegations, which included senior defense and foreign affairs officials. On November 14, 2019, ROK Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Park Hanki and U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, presided over the 44th U.S.-ROK Military Committee Meeting (MCM).
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Readout of Secretary Esper's Bilateral Engagement With Indonesia Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto
"Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper met with Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia to discuss Indonesia's and the United States' shared interests and priorities, including commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Secretary Esper noted the close defense and security ties between Indonesia and the United States under the Strategic Partnership, and expressed a strong desire for increased bilateral cooperation. Secretary Esper and Minister Prabowo both agreed to increase professional military education opportunities for Indonesians, including at U.S. service academies.
Both Secretary…