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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Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Republic of Korea Unification Minister Cho
"Secretary Michael R. Pompeo met with ROK Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon on November 16, 2018 in Washington, DC. They affirmed their commitment to close coordination during ongoing efforts to achieve the final, fully verified denuclearization of the DPRK as agreed to by Chairman Kim. Both sides also discussed ways to deepen coordination so that inter-Korean cooperation and progress on U.S.-DPRK negotiations toward denuclearization remain aligned."
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks on the Release of an American Citizen from North Korea
"The United States appreciates the cooperation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the embassy of Sweden in facilitating the release of an American citizen. The United States is grateful for the sustained support of Sweden, our protecting power in North Korea, for its advocacy on behalf of American citizens. The safety and well-being of Americans remains one of the highest priorities of the Trump Administration."
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Vice President Pence and Prime Minister Lee of the Republic Of Singapore's Remarks in Joint Press Statements
"Thank you, Prime Minister Lee. Thank you for those wonderful words of friendship and partnership that has been forged through the generations, and for your leadership.Thank you all for the hospitality you’ve extended. And your entire team has been remarkable in the course of the summits that have been just been engaged.
But I must tell you, we are especially grateful to you, Mr. Prime Minister, and Mrs. Lee, for the warm welcome that you’ve extended to me and my wife Karen. And we love…
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Secretary Mattis's Remarks on the Return of the "Bells of Balangiga" to the Philippines a Century After the Filipino-American War
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Vice President Pence’s Meeting with President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea
"Vice President Mike Pence met today with President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea on the margins of the East Asia Summit. Vice President Pence and President Moon reaffirmed the U.S.-ROK Alliance as the linchpin of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in the region. They also discussed the ongoing efforts to accomplish our two countries’ mutual goals of achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea, as agreed to by Chairman Kim, and establishing a permanent peace on the Korean…
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Prepared Remarks for Vice President Pence at the East Asia Summit Plenary Session
- "It’s an honor to be here with so many leaders from across the Indo-Pacific at the 13th East Asia Summit. Prime Minister Lee, thank you once again for hosting this meeting in the beautiful and inspiring nation of Singapore.
- Last year, President Donald Trump attended this summit to lay out the United States’ vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. I’m here today to discuss the concrete steps we are taking to protect our nation, defend our allies and partners, and uphold the principles and that…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence at the 6th U.S.-ASEAN Summit
"Your Majesty, your excellencies, it is my honor to join you all here at the 6th Summit between the United States of America and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Last year, President Trump attended this summit to share our nation’s vision of a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” And I am here on the President’s behalf to discuss our progress in making this vision a reality.
I spoke just a few moments ago with the President and he asked me to convey his regards and…
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Readout of the Vice President’s Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India
"Vice President Mike Pence met today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India ahead of the East Asia Summit in Singapore. The two leaders reiterated the importance of the U.S.-India strategic partnership and of advancing our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Vice President and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the commitments of the two nations to strengthen security and counterterrorism cooperation and coordination. Vice President Pence also encouraged free, fair, and reciprocal trade with India."
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Remarks by Vice President Pence and Union Minister of Foreign Affairs and State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma Before Bilateral Meeting
"The United States desires a prosperous, peaceful, successful civil society in Burma with a free and independent press. And I look forward to hearing from you about the progress of democratic reforms in Burma and how the United States might continue to support your leadership and the efforts on behalf of the people of your country.
I’m also very anxious to hear about the progress that’s being made regarding the Rohingya. This is a tragedy that has touched the hearts of millions of Americans. The…
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Vice President Pence’s Meeting with President Joko Widodo of Indonesia
"The Vice President met today with President Joko Widodo of Indonesia to reaffirm the United States-Indonesia Strategic Partnership. The Vice President conveyed condolences for the victims and families of those affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Sulawesi, Indonesia; the United States contributed almost $12 million in disaster assistance for relief efforts. The Vice President congratulated Indonesia on its selection to the United Nations Security Council in 2019. The two heads of delegation agreed to strengthen cooperation across security and economic issues, including maintaining…
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Vice President Pence and Prime Minister Abe of Japan's Remarks in Joint Press Statements
"Thank you, Prime Minister Abe, for those kind words and for the warm hospitality that you’ve shown to Karen and me. This is our third visit to Japan since I became Vice President. And it is my great honor to be with you today to reflect the remarkable bond that exists between our two nations.
And I’m here today on behalf of a friend of yours and a great champion of the U.S.-Japan alliance, President Donald Trump. I know the President is very much looking…