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.

Methodology

All Posts

Remarks by President Trump Before Air Force One Departure - China and India

"Q You tweeted this morning about China and wanting U.S. companies to be able to —

THE PRESIDENT: Yeah.

Q — sell jet parts.

THE PRESIDENT: Yeah.

Q Are you — are you not concerned about national security on that?

THE PRESIDENT: I’m very concerned about national security. Number one, I’m concerned about national security. Nobody has done a better job with national security than me. You take a look at what’s going on: We’ve done a great job on national security. A lot of…

Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha

"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha in a trilateral meeting on the margins of the Munich Security Conference. Secretary Pompeo, Foreign Minister Kang, and Foreign Minister Motegi reaffirmed close cooperation on the DPRK and discussed a coordinated response to the coronavirus outbreak and other global security concerns. They also emphasized the importance of the U.S.-ROK and U.S.-Japan Alliances to security and prosperity as a key part of the Indo-Pacific…

Remarks by Secretary Esper en Route to Europe - Philippines and China

"Q: (inaudible) Can you update us on the latest with the – the VFA1? I know Duterte is giving the U.S. one hundred and eighty days’ notice to pull out, and what does that mean for the NDS? Because that's a place where we were fighting in the war against China and the war for -- for international waterways and whatnot.

SEC. ESPER: Yeah, so we just got the notification late last night. We have to digest it. We have to work through the policy…

Remarks by Secretary Ross at Oxford Union in Oxford, England - China and South Korea

"It took 25 years for these policies to shift the United States from trade surpluses to deficits. Now, many countries, including China, have a positive balance of trade solely because their surpluses with United States exceed their deficits with the rest of the world. Without their U.S. surpluses, they could not buy as much as they do from everyone else. Almost half the U.S. merchandise trade deficit is with China, partly because wages are lower there, and partly because we let them into the WTO…

New Zealand National Day

"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I send my best wishes as New Zealand commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on February 6.

The long-standing friendship between the United States and New Zealand continues to expand and deepen. Americans and New Zealanders have fought side-by-side to defend freedom and democracy in every major conflict since World War I and have cooperated broadly to bring peace, stability, and prosperity to both our people and the world.

The past year…

Sri Lanka’s Independence Day

"On behalf of the people of the United States, I send my best wishes to Sri Lanka as you celebrate the 72nd anniversary of your independence on February 4.

Our relationship is based on common democratic values, and the United States steadfastly supports Sri Lanka’s vibrant democracy and its sovereignty. We share a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region that ensures peace, economic growth, security, democracy, and human rights for the advancement of our peoples. I look forward to deepening our ties in…

Remarks by Secretary Ross at the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Lunar New Year Celebration

"I am happy to participate in today’s Lunar New Year celebration with everyone involved in the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.I am also pleased to co-chair this initiative with our esteemed Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. This initiative aims to positively impact the lives of the fastest growing minority population in America.Many thanks also to Vice President Mike Pence, Labor Secretary Scalia, USPS Chairman Mike Duncan, and the Initiative’s new Executive Director, Tina Smith, for joining us here today.A warm welcome to…

Secretary Esper's Remarks at the CSIS Global Security Forum - China, North Korea, and Alliances in the Indo-Pacific

Celebrating the Lunar New Year

"I send my best wishes to all our friends around the world, celebrating the Lunar New Year on January 25.

As the Year of the Rat represents the beginning of a new day, let us use this opportunity to renew our commitment to shared resilience and partnership, as we work together to build a world of prosperity and opportunity for all."

Presidential Message on Lunar New Year, 2020

"Melania joins me in sending our warmest greetings to people in the United States and throughout the world celebrating the Lunar New Year.

On this occasion, we join millions around the globe in welcoming the Year of the Rat and embracing a new year filled with opportunities to make a positive impact in the lives of others. As those of Asian heritage celebrate this special time of year through fireworks, food, and fellowship with loved ones, we wish them happiness, health, and prosperity in the…

Australia National Day

"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I would like to congratulate the Australian people on the occasion of Australia Day on January 26.

The U.S.– Australia relationship is an admirable example of how two countries can work together to bring peace, stability, and prosperity to our people and the world. The tragic loss of life and property from the devastating Australian wildfires saddens us deeply. The surge in donations from Americans concerned about their Australian friends and the warm reception…