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' Call with Japanese Minister of Defense Onodera

"Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke by phone with his Japanese counterpart Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera on the evening of 14 September following the latest North Korean missile launch. The secretary reassured his Japanese counterpart of America's unwavering commitment to the defense of Japan and the broader security of the region. Secretary Mattis and Minister Onodera agreed that the North Korean provocation called for a strong demonstration of a unified front between the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, and agreed on…

U.S. Department of Commerce Initiates Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Investigations of Imports of Titanium Sponge from Japan and Kazakhstan

"U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross has announced the initiation of new antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations to determine whether imports of titanium sponge from Japan and Kazakhstan are being unfairly dumped in the United States, and whether producers in Kazakhstan are receiving alleged unfair subsidies. [...] In 2016, imports of titanium sponge from Japan and Kazakhstan were valued at an estimated $144.8 million and $374 thousand, respectively."

President Trump's Meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib

"The President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, hosted the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak, at the White House to strengthen the Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries as they mark the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations. The United States and Malaysia share a long history of close cooperation built on economic ties and mutual security interests. The two leaders pledged to continue building upon that relationship through enhanced diplomatic, economic, security, and people-to-people ties. President Trump and Prime Minister Najib…

U.S. Department of Commerce Initiates Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Investigations of Imports of Stainless Steel Flanges from China and India

"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the initiation of new antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations to determine whether imports of stainless steel flanges from China and India are being dumped in the United States, and whether producers in China and India are receiving alleged unfair subsidies."

Secretary Mattis' Call with Japanese Minister of Defense Onodera

"Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke today by telephone with Japanese Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera to discuss North Korea's test of a nuclear device on September 2. Secretary Mattis and Minister Onodera both condemned the test as a destabilizing provocation that threatens both regional and global security. Secretary Mattis underscored that the United States' commitment to defend Japan, including the U.S. extended deterrence commitment, remains ironclad. Secretary Mattis also underscored the United States would work with Japan to enhance its ballistic missile defense capabilities…

Secretary Mattis' Call with Korean Minister of Defense Song

"On September 5, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo to discuss North Korea's test of a nuclear device on September 2. Secretary Mattis assured Minister Song that the United States remains ironclad in its commitment to the defense of the ROK. He further emphasized that any threat to the United States, its territories, or its allies will be met with a massive, effective, and overwhelming military response. Secretary Mattis and Minister Song discussed…

U.S. Department of Commerce Initiates Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Investigations of Imports of Stainless Steel Flanges from China and India

"Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the initiation of new antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations to determine whether imports of stainless steel flanges from China and India are being dumped in the United States, and whether producers in China and India are receiving alleged unfair subsidies."

President Trump's Call with Australian Prime Minister Turnbull

"President Donald J. Trump spoke yesterday with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia to discuss North Korea’s claimed test of a hydrogen bomb on September 3. The two leaders condemned North Korea’s belligerent actions and confirmed that their two countries will intensify joint efforts to denuclearize North Korea. President Trump reaffirmed his commitment to defending the homeland, territories, and allies of the United States, using all available diplomatic and military capabilities. The two leaders also discussed a range of global issues of mutual concern."

President Trump's Call with Korean President Moon

President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Moon Jae-in of South Korea to discuss the allied response to North Korea’s claimed September 3 test of a hydrogen bomb. Both leaders underscored the grave threat that North Korea’s latest provocation poses to the entire world. The two leaders agreed to maximize pressure on North Korea using all means at their disposal. They also pledged to strengthen joint military capabilities. President Trump gave his in-principle approval to South Korea’s initiative to lift restrictions on their missile…

President Trump's Call with Japanese Prime Minister Abe

"President Donald J. Trump spoke with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to discuss North Korea’s claimed test of a hydrogen bomb, on September 3. The two leaders condemned North Korea’s continued destabilizing and provocative actions, confirmed the two countries’ ironclad mutual defense commitments, and pledged to continue close cooperation. President Trump reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to defending our homeland, territories, and allies using the full range of diplomatic, conventional, and nuclear capabilities at our disposal."

Secretary Mattis Statement at the White House

"We made clear that we have the ability to defend ourselves and our allies – South Korea and Japan – from any attack. And our commitments among the allies are ironclad. Any threat to the United States, or its territories – including Guam – or our allies will be met with a massive military response – a response both effective and overwhelming. Kim Jong Un should take heed the United Nations Security Council’s unified voice – all members unanimously agreed on the threat North Korea…

President Trump's Call with Japanese Prime Minister Abe

"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to discuss ongoing efforts to maximize pressure on North Korea. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of close cooperation between the United States, Japan, and South Korea in the face of the growing threat from North Korea. President Trump noted that he looks forward to continued trilateral coordination on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly."

USTR Lighthizer Initiates Special 301 Out-of-Cycle Review for Thailand, Welcomes Commerce Minister Apiradi

"U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer today announced an Out-of-Cycle Review (OCR) of Thailand’s Special 301 status due to positive steps the country has taken regarding intellectual property (IP). In the 2017 Special 301 report, USTR placed Thailand on the Priority Watch List but noted that the United States was prepared to review that status if Thailand continued to take positive action on IP issues and made substantial progress in addressing the concerns described in the Special 301 report. The Trump Administration has been closely engaging…

USTR Lighthizer Meets with Malaysian Minister of Trade and Industry

"U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer met with Malaysian Minister of Trade and Industry Mustapa Mohamed yesterday ahead of President Trump’s meeting with Prime Minister Najib. During the meeting, Ambassador Lighthizer and Minister Mustapa discussed ways to further strengthen their trade relationship. They directed their staffs to make further progress in addressing specific issues being discussed under the U.S.-Malaysia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, including on insurance and financial services, intellectual property, agriculture, goods, labor, and environment. The two Ministers agreed to stay in close touch…

President Donald Trump's Call with Korean President Moon

"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Moon Jae-in of South Korea to discuss our coordinated response to North Korea’s continued destabilizing and escalatory behavior. They discussed the close and continuing cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Japan to address this issue, following up on the recent meetings between the national security advisors of each country. President Trump and President Moon pledged to continue to apply strong diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea and to make all necessary preparations to deter…

Secretary Mattis' Call with Japanese Minister of Defense Onodera

"Yesterday, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke by telephone with Japanese Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera to discuss North Korea’s missile launch on August 28. Secretary Mattis and Minister Onodera both agreed that this launch is an unacceptable act that undermines security and stability in the region. Secretary Mattis reaffirmed that the United States’ defense commitments to Japan remain ironclad, including its extended deterrence commitment. Secretary Mattis also underscored the United States’ commitment to assist Japan in enhancing its ballistic missile defense capabilities in the…