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 Mattis Joint Press Conference with Korean Minister of National Defense Han

Secretary Mattis' Meetings with Korean Officials

"Secretary of Defense James Mattis held separate meetings with Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of Foreign Affairs Yun Byung-Se, and ROK Minister of National Defense Han Min-Koo today in Seoul, South Korea. Secretary Mattis noted that his first trip as secretary of defense to the ROK underscored the priority the Trump Administration places on the Asia-Pacific region, and on strengthening the U.S.-ROK alliance. Secretary Mattis said that the United States remains steadfast in its commitment to the defense of the ROK people. He further emphasized…

Remarks by Secretary Mattis and Japanese Prime Minister Abe

"I wanted my first trip to be here to this region. I want there to be no misunderstanding during this transition in Washington that we stand firmly, 100 percent, shoulder-to-shoulder with you and the Japanese people, Mr. Prime Minister. Due to some of the provocations out of North Korea and other challenges that we jointly face, I want to make certain that Article Five of our mutual defense treaty is understood to be as real to us today as it was a year ago, five…

President Trump's Call with South Korean Acting President Hwang

"President Trump and Acting President Hwang Kyo-Ahn of the Republic of Korea (ROK) spoke by telephone today. Acting President Hwang congratulated the President on his inauguration. The two discussed the importance of the U.S.-ROK alliance. President Trump reiterated our ironclad commitment to defend the ROK, including through the provision of extended deterrence, using the full range of military capabilities. The two leaders agreed to take steps to strengthen joint defense capabilities to defend against the North Korean threat. They also discussed Secretary of Defense Mattis's…

President Trump's Call with Japanese Prime Minister Abe

"President Trump and Prime Minister Abe spoke on the phone today to discuss the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance and cooperation on regional and global issues. President Trump affirmed the ironclad U.S. commitment to ensuring the security of Japan. The two leaders discussed the significance of Secretary of Defense Mattis's upcoming visit to the region, including Japan. President Trump and Prime Minister Abe said they would consult and cooperate on the threat posed by North Korea. The two leaders also committed to deepen the bilateral…

[Then CIA Director] Pompeo's Remarks During Confirmation Hearing - China and North Korea

Secretary Mattis