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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Press Gaggle with Secretary Mattis
"The de-confliction of the drill [between South Korean and US troops ahead of the Winter Olympics, which South Korea is hosting] is a de-confliction of the drill with the ongoing - the logistics - all the pressure on their system, whether it be police who have to be in places to direct traffic - they're usually in position to direct military traffic and keep that safe, you know. So, it's just the normal de-confliction there. I wouldn't read too much into it because we don't…
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President Trump's Call with Korean President Moon
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea to discuss recent developments on the Korean Peninsula. The two leaders agreed to continue the campaign of maximum pressure against North Korea and to not repeat mistakes of the past. The United States and the Republic of Korea are committed to a safe and successful 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang. President Trump told President Moon that the United States will send a high-level delegation to the Olympics. The two…
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USTR Lighthizer Statement on Conclusion of KORUS Negotiations in Seoul, South Korea
"Officials from the United States and the Republic of Korea met in Seoul, Korea on January 31 - February 1 to advance amendment and modification negotiations and other discussions on the U.S.- Korea (KORUS) Free Trade Agreement. Discussions focused on specific proposals, including those related to market access and tariffs. The United States emphasized steps to rebalance the Agreement to improve the large trade deficit in industrial goods, including autos and auto parts. Additionally, the United States pressed for the resolution of Agreement implementation concerns…
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USTR Lighthizer Releases Annual Reports on China's and Russia's WTO Compliance
"China and Russia have failed to embrace the market-oriented economic policies championed by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and are not living up to certain key commitments they made when they joined the WTO, the U.S. Trade Representative said in annual reports released today on each country’s compliance with WTO rules."
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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations on Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from the People's Republic of China (China), India, the Republic of Korea (Korea), and Taiwan
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of imports of fine denier polyester staple fiber, finding that exporters from China, India, Korea, and Taiwan have sold this merchandise at less than fair value. [...] As a result of today’s decision, Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of fine denier polyester staple fiber from China (52.66 percent to 170.92 percent), India (0.66 percent to 15.66 percent), Korea…
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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations on Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from the People’s Republic of China (China), India, the Republic of Korea (Korea) and Taiwan
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of imports of fine denier polyester staple fiber, finding that exporters from China, India, Korea and Taiwan have sold this merchandise at less than fair value."
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U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Countervailing Duty Determination on Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings from the People's Republic of China
"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determination in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigation of imports of cast iron soil pipe fittings from China. [...]The Commerce Department preliminarily determined that exporters from China received countervailable subsidies of 8.66 to 102.31 percent."
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USTR Lighthizer Joint Statement with European Commissioner for Trade and Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry at MC11
"We shared the view that severe excess capacity in key sectors exacerbated by government-financed and supported capacity expansion, unfair competitive conditions caused by large market-distorting subsidies and state owned enterprises, forced technology transfer, and local content requirements and preferences are serious concerns for the proper functioning of international trade, the creation of innovative technologies and the sustainable growth of the global economy. We, to address this critical concern, agreed to enhance trilateral cooperation in the WTO and in other forums, as appropriate, to eliminate these…
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Secretary Mattis' Phone Call with Malaysian Minister of Defense Hishammuddin
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis held a phone call with Malaysian Minister of Defense Hishammuddin Tun Hussein on December 4, 2017. The two leaders discussed a range of regional security issues of mutual interest and concern, including North Korea. Secretary Mattis thanked Minister Hishammuddin for Malaysia's support to the international community's efforts to pressure North Korea to abandon it's dangerous and illegal nuclear and missile programs. The Secretary and the Minister also discussed regional counter-terrorism cooperation. The two leaders reaffirmed their shared appreciation of…
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Secretary Mattis' Phone Call with Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin
"A discussion of regional security issues highlighted a phone call yesterday between Defense Secretary James N. Mattis and Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, chief Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White said today. In a statement summarizing the call, White said Mattis thanked his counterpart for Malaysia's support to the international community's efforts to pressure North Korea 'to abandon its dangerous and illegal nuclear and missile programs,' White said."
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USTR Lighthizer Announces KORUS Negotiations to Be Held in Washington, DC
"United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer today announced that negotiations on amendments and modifications of the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) will be held in Washington, D.C. on January 5, 2018. The United States delegation at the meeting will be led by Michael Beeman, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Japan, Korea and APEC. The Republic of Korea delegation at the meeting will be led by Ms. Myung-hee Yoo, Director General from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE). With the recent completion…
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USTR Lighthizer Announces Results of Special 301 Out-of-Cycle Review of Thailand
“A key objective of the Trump Administration’s trade policy is ensuring that U.S. owners of intellectual property (IP) have a full and fair opportunity to use and profit from their IP around the globe. The key to promoting innovation is protecting intellectual property. We welcome the corrective actions that Thailand has taken and look forward to continuing to work with Thailand to resolve our remaining IP concerns.”
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Secretary Mattis' Call with Japanese Minister of Defense Onodera
"Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis spoke by telephone today for 30 minutes with Japan's Minister of Defense, Itsunori Onodera, to discuss North Korea's November 28th launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Both condemned the launch and were strongly aligned on security issues with a keen, shared recognition of the danger associated with North Korea's reckless, outlaw behavior, which is contrary to United Nations Security Council Resolutions. Both countries are united in their approach to defending their populations and maintaining peace and stability in the…
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President Trump's Call with Korean President Moon
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea for the second time since North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile on November 28. The two leaders discussed next steps to respond to this most recent provocation by North Korea, including how to bring maximum pressure to bear on the regime. The presidents reiterated their strong commitment to enhancing the alliance’s deterrence and defense capabilities. Both leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to compelling North Korea to return to the…
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President Trump's Call with Chinese President Xi
"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China to discuss North Korea’s latest missile launch. President Trump underscored the determination of the United States to defend ourselves and our allies from the growing threat posed by the North Korean regime. President Trump emphasized the need for China to use all available levers to convince North Korea to end its provocations and return to the path of denuclearization."
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Remarks by the Vice President to the Hudson Institute's Herman Kahn Award Dinner
"And the Kim regime in North Korea would do well not to test the resolve of this President or the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the United States of America. As President Trump said today, we will take care of the situation. All options are on the table, and we will continue to marshal the full resources of the United States to bring economic and diplomatic pressure to bear until North Korea abandons its nuclear and ballistic missile programs once and for all."