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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Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo And Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis At a Joint Press Availability - China

"Across all industries in both economies, a broad agreement would indeed make trade much faster, fairer, and more mutually advantageous. And a trade deal would also reinforce the economic values that we both hold dear. It would also reinforce this notion that there are other countries that seek to undermine the way that we do business. China is one such nation. Its ambitions are on full display here in Switzerland. Under the free trade agreement that went into force in 2013, China has gained an…

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo And German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas At a Joint Press Availability - China

"The German people continue to show just how much they prize security and how much they prize freedom for their own people, indeed for the world. Germany has set an example for every civilized nation by welcoming Chinese dissidents and calling attention to the more than one million Chinese Muslims and other minorities detained in Xinjiang. We hope, too, that Germany will also lead in taking action against Chinese corruption, espionage, and unfair trade practices that help underwrite that very repression.

We also had conversations…

Proclamation to Modify the List of Beneficiary Developing Countries Under the Trade Act of 1974 - India

"1. In Executive Order 11888 of November 24, 1975, the President designated India as a beneficiary developing country for purposes of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) (19 U.S.C. 2461 et seq.). [...]

4. Consistent with section 502(d)(1) of the 1974 Act, and having considered the factors set forth in sections 501 and 502(c), I have determined that India has not assured the United States that India will provide equitable and reasonable access to its markets. Accordingly, it is appropriate to terminate India’s designation as a…

Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure - China

"Q China says it’s going to restrict (inaudible) and rare earth elements if your trade strategy (inaudible).

THE PRESIDENT: I think we’re doing very well with China.

Come here, I want to shake your hand. Come here. You’ve treated me fairly. Thank you. Thank you.

Q Mr. President —

THE PRESIDENT: Wait. Wait. I want to answer a real reporter’s question. We’re going to answer a real reporter’s question, okay?

China would love to make a deal with us. We had a deal, and they…

Secretary Pompeo's Remarks to Traveling Press - China and North Korea

"MS ORTAGUS: Ed.

QUESTION: I was wondering how much will you discuss Huawei or Chinese technology and security issues with the various officials, either Germany or other of your —

SECRETARY POMPEO: Everywhere I go. Everywhere I go we talk about the opportunities and challenges that China presents not only to the United States and its security but to countries around the world. So it will be a topic. I can’t imagine a gathering with any of my interlocutors where China won’t be a significant…

Secretary Pompeo’s Call With Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi

"Secretary Michael R. Pompeo called Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi today to congratulate the government and people of Indonesia on the election of Joko Widodo and Ma’ruf Amin as their President and Vice President-elect respectively. The Secretary reiterated his desire to continue to deepen the U.S.-Indonesia relationship to solve regional and global issues."

Secretary Pompeo's Interview With Maria Bartiromo of Mornings With Maria on Fox Business Network

"QUESTION: We’ve talked a lot about the economic issues between China and the U.S. I want to really focus on the military and on the risks that have to do with national security. Can you talk us through the massive risks that exist today in terms of China and the U.S.’s national security?

SECRETARY POMPEO: When you think about risk from the military perspective, it’s all about capacity and intent. That is, what do they have the ability to do, and what is it they…

Remarks by President Trump and the First Lady in Memorial Day Address to Troops Aboard the USS Wasp - US-Japan Alliance

As Prime Minister Abe and I discussed yesterday, Japan also plans to equip the Japanese Self-Defense Forces with 105 F-35 aircraft, which would make Japan’s F-35 fleet the largest of any U.S. ally. The U.S.-Japan alliance has never been stronger. The relationship between your President and the Prime Minister of Japan — he’s a great gentleman; great man — is a fantastic one.

This remarkable port is the only one in the world where we’re — American naval fleet and an allied naval fleet, headquartered…

Remarks by President Trump Aboard the JS Kaga - US-Japan Alliance

At this very historic moment, as Japan begins Reiwa and the Reiwa era, we celebrate the U.S.-Japan alliance and the friendship between our freedom-loving peoples.

Our armed forces train and serve together around the world, including right here. Very special. In fact, this is the only port in the world where an American naval fleet and an allied naval fleet are headquartered side-by-side. The American and Japanese sailors stationed in this bay are living testaments to the enduring power of our incredible partnership.

As you…

Remarks by President Trump at State Banquet

"Good evening. Your Majesties, Prime Minister and Mrs. Abe, distinguished guests: We are profoundly honored to return to Japan as your nation’s first state guests following the enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor.

Your Majesty, the First Lady and I will never forget this gracious invitation, and we thank the people of Japan for their incredible hospitality and warm welcome in this majestic land.

I carry with me the hopes of the American people for the treasured alliance between our countries. And we enter this…

Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Abe of Japan Before Bilateral Meeting

"Well, thank you very much, Shinzo. And this has been not only an honor, it’s been fun. It’s a very important moment because of what we’re doing today with respect to the new Emperor. And having gotten to know the Emperor and also the Emperor’s family, meeting his father and mother, it was very special the last time.

And this is very big. It’s a very important thing not only in Japan, but all over the world they’re talking about it. And it’s very exciting…