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 Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
"Secretary Michael R. Pompeo met today with Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga in Washington to discuss our close alliance and cooperation on pressing regional and security issues. Secretary Pompeo and Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga reaffirmed our commitment to the final, fully verified denuclearization of the DPRK, our mutual commitment to regional security, and to continue working closely together to address common challenges in the Indo-Pacific."
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Remarks by Vice President Pence After Touring R&J Johnson Farms | Glyndon, MN - China
"And as we speak today, a delegation from China has arrived in Washington, D.C., for the latest negotiations. And I want to assure all of you, particularly those of you in soybeans, who export to China and understand that we’re working literally hour by hour to reach an agreement with China.
The President and I remain hopeful that we’ll be able to reach an agreement, but we’re going to continue to stand firm. We’re going to continue to stand firm for putting American jobs, American…
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Interview With Adam Boulton of Sky News - China
"QUESTION: I mean, the United Kingdom – on the question of relations with Iran and also more significantly economically in terms of relations with China – is in a different position from the United States. It’s not a competitor. It’s a trading nation. It wants to trade with both sides. Do you understand that, or do you think there is a choice facing Britain on, for example, Huawei, which you talked about?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Well, I’m happy to talk about Huawei specifically, but look, we…
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Remarks by U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur L. Ross at the Trade Winds Conference in New Delhi, India
"Two years ago, President Trump laid out his vision for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region — one where independent nations grow stronger. The Indo-Pacific Region is strategically and economically important. It accounts for two-thirds of all global trade.
These countries are seeking high-quality goods and services to sustain and develop their economies. U.S. companies are extremely well positioned to meet these demands, including in the important area of infrastructure.
The Asian Development Bank estimates that $1.7 trillion needs to be invested in the…
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Interview With Pirkko Pontinen of YLE TV1 - China
"QUESTION: But you didn’t have the same words towards China. Actually, you were – if I understood, you were – you have very strong rules against China, and you like to limit its presence in the Arctic waters. So you see China as a threat in this area?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Well, China is not an Arctic nation. There are many non-Arctic nations. China should receive no special status. There are Arctic nations, and non-Arctic nations. Different sets of rules necessarily will apply. You’ll have entitlements…
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Interview With Chris Wallace of Fox News Sunday - North Korea
"QUESTION: Yesterday, North Korea fired what it is calling short-range projectiles. But the question is – and let’s put these up on the screen – were they, in fact, North Korea’s new short-range ballistic missiles? And if so, did they violate North Korea’s moratorium on missile tests since 2017?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Here’s what we know so far. The launches – and there were several – were of a short range. I don’t want to say exactly how long. We’re still working to ensure that we…
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Interview With Jonathan Karl of ABC's This Week - North Korea
"QUESTION: So let’s start with North Korea. What have we learned about what exactly – what kind of projectiles the North Koreans were testing?
SECRETARY POMPEO: So we know a couple things. One, there – at no point was there ever any international boundary crossed. That is, they landed in the water east of North Korea and didn’t present a threat to the United States or to South Korea or Japan. And we know that they were relatively short range. And beyond that – we…
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Interview With Chris Wallace of Fox News Sunday - China
"QUESTION: The Pentagon issued a report this week that China is making tremendous progress in replacing the U.S. as the preeminent leader in the Pacific. It also is projecting economic power as well. But former Vice President Biden said this this week:
“MR BIDEN: China is going to eat our lunch? Come on, man. They’re not bad folks, folks. But guess what? They’re not a – they’re not – they’re competition for us.”
QUESTION: Does former Vice President Biden know something you don’t?
SECRETARY POMPEO…
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Interview With Margaret Brennan of CBS Face the Nation - North Korea
"QUESTION: We begin this morning with America’s top diplomat, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Welcome to Face the Nation on a very busy morning for you. On this latest North Korea test, it appears to be short-range missiles. Does Kim Jong-un get a pass on this, or are we looking at a situation where more sanctions are necessary?
SECRETARY POMPEO: So the sanctions haven’t changed. The toughest sanctions in the history of North Korea remain in place. That’s probably what’s putting some of the pressure…
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Interview With Margaret Brennan of CBS Face the Nation - China
"QUESTION: I want to ask you about China. Chinese officials are headed here to Washington for trade talks. We heard from a Pentagon official on Friday a pretty stark description of what is underway right now in China. He said that there are three million Muslims being rounded up into concentration camps in China. Why hasn’t the administration taken any kind of action or sanction against Beijing for this?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Oh, goodness. President Trump has pushed back against China in a way that no…