This resource will track statements, developments, visits, and other interactions in US-Indo-Pacific relations under the President Trump administration. Special focus will be 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 Defense Dr. Mark Esper; Secretary of State Mike Pompeo; Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, Jr.; and (former) Secretary of Defense James Mattis.
The Trump Administration & US - Indo-Pacific Relations
All Posts
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Malaysian Minister of Defence Mohamad bin Sabu
"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met today with Malaysian Minister of Defence Mohamad bin Sabu on the sidelines of the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ 17th Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, in Singapore. This was the first meeting between the two, and after Secretary Mattis congratulated him on his recent appointment they reaffirmed building upon a foundation of strong U.S.-Malaysian defense ties by providing an opportunity for both to share perspectives on security challenges facing Southeast Asia. The two leaders discussed…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi
"On June 2, Secretary Mattis met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ 17th Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, in Singapore. The two discussed the importance of the U.S.-India relationship, and the role of both nations in cooperating to uphold international laws and principles and to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Prime Minister and Secretary pledged to continue the strong U.S.-India strategic partnership and affirmed their commitment to maintaining peace…
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Secretary Mattis' Remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue - Indo-Pacific Strategy
"So, make no mistake, America is in the Indo-Pacific to stay. This is our priority theater, our interests, and the regions are inextricably intertwined. Our Indo-Pacific strategy makes significant security, economic, and development investments, ones that demonstrate our commitment to allies and partners in support of our vision of a safe, secure, prosperous, and free Indo-Pacific based on shared principles with those nations, large and small. Ones who believe their future lies in respect for sovereignty and independence of every nation, no matter its size…
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Secretary Mattis' Remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue – North Korea
"In Northeast Asia, the dynamic security environment continues to underscore the importance of our robust alliance and partner relationships. On the Korean Peninsula, we hold the line with our ally, supporting our diplomats who lead this effort. Our objective remains the complete, verifiable, and irreversible nuclear -- denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and the international community is in alignment here, as evidenced by multiple unanimous United Nations Security Council resolutions. Beyond North Korea, we are focused on modernizing our alliance with both the Republic of…
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Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Singapore on June 1 on the sidelines of the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ 17th Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue. During their meeting, the Secretary and Prime Minister reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Singapore. Secretary Mattis underscored that Singapore is a trusted strategic partner. The two leaders exchanged views on the regional security environment and discussed a range…
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Secretary Mattis' Remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue - ASEAN
"Central among these, of course, is ASEAN and the institutions it created, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus, and the East Asia Summit, as well as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, and trilateral and multilateral mechanisms of like-minded partners. A central element of our strategy is strengthening of our alliances and partnerships in terms of mutual benefit and trusted relationships. We are committed to working by, with, and through allies and partners to address common challenges, to enhance shared capabilities…