The Trump Administration & US - Indo-Pacific Relations

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.

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Media Availability With Secretary Esper - South Korea and China

"Q: Mr. Secretary, good morning. My name's Tom Squitieri with Talk Media News.

What information can you provide to us, please, about the Russian intrusion, in the island in — in the Sea of Japan? That scrambled the South Korean fighters.

SEC. ESPER: Well, to the best of my recollection, it's not new that they — that the Russians have been flying routes south, right? To that area. I think it's — what's new is the fact that they did cross into South Korean airspace…

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo’s Call with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha

"Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke by phone yesterday with ROK Foreign Minister Kang. They reaffirmed their commitment to the final, fully verified denuclearization of the DPRK, the importance of U.S.-Japan-ROK trilateral cooperation, and agreed to continue working closely together to address common challenges in the Indo-Pacific. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Kang also discussed the enduring strength of the United States–ROK alliance, which remains the linchpin of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in the region."

Remarks by President Trump, Chairman Kim Jong Un, and President Moon in Greeting at the Korean Demilitarized Zone

"PRESIDENT TRUMP: I just want to say that this is my honor. I didn’t really expect it. We were in Japan for the G20. We came over and I said, “Hey, I’m over here. I want to call up Chairman Kim.” And we got to meet. And stepping across that line was a great honor. A lot of progress has been made. A lot of friendships have been made. And this has been in particular a great friendship. So I just want to thank you…

Remarks by President Trump and President Moon of the Republic of Korea Before Restricted Bilateral Meeting

"[PRESIDENT TRUMP:] I just had a meeting with the business leaders of South Korea. And these are not only business leaders here, they’re business leaders throughout the world. They are among the greatest businesspeople anywhere in the world. We went through a lot — Lotte, Samsung — so many that are so — Hyundai — so many that are so respected.

And we talked and we had a fairly short meeting, unfortunately. I wish it could have been longer. But these are very, very highly…

Remarks by President Trump to Korean Business Leaders

"PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you. (Applause.) Wow, thank you very much. Please. Thank you very much. That’s so nice. That means you like us. And we like you. And it has been a great period of time for our two countries.

I want to thank you, Ambassador Harris. We put you here recently because we thought it might be a spot where we need somebody with great talent, and you’ve displayed that in our military for many years. We really appreciate it very much. Thank you…

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo Remarks to the Press - Indo-Pacific

"QUESTION: I’m sorry. Japan and Germany have asked for additional proof of the attack on the tankers. And you said Sunday that you were going to provide that. Have – when are we expected to see that?

SECRETARY POMPEO: Yeah, we’ll continue to provide additional information about those attacks. But we shouldn’t focus on just those two attacks. There – since the beginning of May, there are now over a half dozen different instances of Iranian attacks in the region – some thwarted, some not…

Secretary Ross's Remarks at 2019 SelectUSA Summit - Indo-Pacific Investment in the United States

"On the larger side of the size spectrum, South Korean energy storage company SK Innovation attended SelectUSA Investment Summits in 2013 and 2018. Just three months ago, I had the honor of attending the groundbreaking of SK's $1.7 billion electric-battery facility in Commerce, Georgia.I was joined by SK Innovation CEO and President Jun Kim; Executive Vice Chairman, Jae-won Chey; Georgia Governor Brian Kemp; and leaders from across Georgia to celebrate the company's investment in Georgia. Taiwan’s Lung-Soon Ocean Group is creating 50 jobs in Astoria…

Statement from the Press Secretary Regarding President Donald J. Trump’s Upcoming Travel to the Republic of Korea

"President Donald J. Trump will visit the Republic of Korea to meet with President Moon Jae-in, in conjunction with his travel to the region to attend the G20 Summit in late June. President Trump and President Moon will continue their close coordination on efforts to achieve the final, fully verified denuclearization of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The two leaders will also discuss ways to strengthen the United States–Republic of Korea alliance and the friendship between our two peoples."