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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Advancing Reciprocity in U.S.- China Diplomatic Relations
"For years, the PRC has imposed significant barriers on American diplomats working in the PRC that are far beyond diplomatic norms. PRC authorities implement a system of opaque approval processes designed to prevent American diplomats from conducting regular business and connecting with the Chinese people. U.S. diplomats’ attempts to host cultural events, secure official meetings, and visit university campuses are regularly obstructed.
In the United States, by contrast, PRC diplomats have enjoyed open access to American society, while ignoring sustained U.S. entreaties to improve the…
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Secretary Pompeo With Trey Gowdy of The Sean Hannity Show - China
"QUESTION: Likewise. Tell us about the actions you’ve taken against China with respect to their diplomats and why you took it.
SECRETARY POMPEO: Trey, today we took the simple action of telling Chinese diplomats working here in the United States the free ride is over, their ability to conduct espionage here in the United States has – that time has passed, and so we’ve put restrictions on them. They need to ask permission now to conduct meetings with local officials and to gather at certain…
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Secretary Michael R. Pompeo at a Press Availability
"On the multilateral front further, I look forward to seeing my ASEAN and Indo-Pacific counterparts next week at a host of virtual meetings.
We’ll have discussions that will be wide-ranging, including on COVID, North Korea, South China Sea, Hong Kong, and Burma’s Rakhine State.
I’ll also raise how the Trump administration is restoring reciprocity to the U.S.-China relationship. And today we continue that necessary work.
For years, the Chinese Communist Party has imposed significant barriers on American diplomats working inside the PRC.
Specifically, the Chinese…
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Secretary Pompeo With Lou Dobbs of Lou Dobbs Tonight - China
"QUESTION: Joining us tonight to talk about all of this and much more, the United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Mr. Secretary, good to have you with us. Let’s begin with the rhetoric of the Chinese Government, and it is moving up quite a – to quite heated extremes now. Your interpretation of what’s going on in Beijing.
SECRETARY POMPEO: So, Lou, thanks for having me on. That was quite a list you read there with respect to the Chinese Communist Party’s aggression. I…
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Vietnam National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I send congratulations to the people of Vietnam as you celebrate your National Day.
In 2020, we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of U.S.-Vietnam diplomatic relations. The remarkable transformation of our relationship, across trade and investment, security cooperation, and people-to-people ties, is a testament to those who worked to overcome the past and build a better future for both our peoples. We celebrate the recently signed agreement that will bring Peace Corps…
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On the Passing of Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee
"The United States is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. In a distinguished career spanning more than half a century, President Mukherjee worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of India as a parliamentarian, cabinet minister, and as President of the world’s largest democracy. His visionary leadership helped drive India’s rise as a global power and paved the way for a stronger U.S.-India partnership.
President Mukherjee’s many accomplishments resulted in a more prosperous and secure India. As Minister…
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Secretary Pompeo With Vince Coglianese and Mary Walter of WMAL’s Mornings On The Mall Radio Show - China
"QUESTION: So Bloomberg just ran a report that the U.S. is pushing China and Iran closer together, and that under the pressure the two are said to be contemplating a 25-year strategic partnership. How does this change the landscape in the world?
SECRETARY POMPEO: Well, China has important interests, and it is – it probably should come as no surprise to anyone that two of the world’s greatest violators of basic human rights might find common cause. So we, when watching this unfold as well…
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Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Motegi discussed coordination on shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region, including upholding the region’s rules-based order. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Japan Alliance and our shared commitment to ensuring peace and security in the region and the world."
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Readout of Secretary Esper's Phone Call With President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka
"Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper spoke with Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa over the phone today. During the call, Secretary Esper congratulated the President on his successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent conclusion of parliamentary elections, and urged continued progress on reconciliation and human rights in Sri Lanka. The two leaders discussed their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that ensures the sovereignty of all nations. Reviewing common bilateral defense priorities, they noted opportunities to enhance military professionalization…
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Readout of Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper's Virtual Meeting With the Singapore Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen
"On August 30, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper met virtually with his Singapore counterpart, Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen to discuss the U.S.-Singapore bilateral defense relationship. Secretary Esper expressed solidarity with Singapore's efforts to address the COVID-19 outbreak and applauded Singapore's success in its pandemic response. Secretary Esper expressed appreciation for the regional access that Singapore provides U.S. forces, and its commitment to continued access made possible by renewal of the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding Regarding United States Use of Facilities in Singapore…
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On the Resignation of Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe
"The United States deeply values the enduring contributions of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in making the U.S.-Japan relationship the strongest it has ever been. He championed our Alliance as a cornerstone of peace and security, and he advanced a free and open Indo-Pacific by working with the United States to build a network of partnerships across the region. We thank him for his many years of dedicated service and wish him a speedy and complete recovery."
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Readout of Secretary Esper's Meeting With Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono
"On August 29, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper hosted Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono in Guam, where they reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Japan Alliance and discussed ways to deepen and expand bilateral defense cooperation.
Secretary Esper and Minister Kono exchanged views on their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The Secretary expressed serious concern regarding Beijing’s decision to impose a national security law in Hong Kong, as well as coercive and destabilizing actions vis-à-vis Taiwan. Both Ministers restated their commitment…
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Malaysia Independence Day
"On behalf of the United States Government and the American people, I congratulate the people of Malaysia as you celebrate your Independence Day.
The strong partnership between the United States and Malaysia allows us to better face new challenges and pursue new opportunities for our citizens. Building on our robust economic, security, and people-to-people ties, we continue to make progress on our shared goal of promoting a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. We look forward to another year of advancement in the relations between our two…
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Secretary Esper's Meeting With the President of the Republic of Palau and Other Members of his Cabinet
"Today, Secretary Mark T. Esper became the first Secretary of Defense to visit Palau. Secretary Esper met with the President of the Republic of Palau and other members of his Cabinet. The two leaders reinforced the importance of the Compact of Free Association and exchanged views on current regional security issues and concerns. Secretary Esper and President Remengesau emphasized their support for the ongoing negotiations to extend the Compact, and they expressed a desire for continued progress and a swift conclusion of the talks. Both…
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Op-Ed by Commerce Secretary Ross on U.S. Trade Policy - South Korea and China
"The United States–Korea Free Trade Agreement, known as KORUS, has also been revitalized. KORUS will reduce the trade deficit and strengthen our economic and national security relationship.
The U.S.-China Phase One Trade Agreement will boost our exports, decrease our trade deficit, and will be strictly enforced for the benefit of American workers, farmers, and businesses.
To further protect U.S. national security and defend American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade, the Trump Administration has greatly enhanced trade enforcement efforts. We have initiated twice as…
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Readout of Secretary Esper's Call With Papua New Guinea Minister for Defense Saki Soloma
"On August 26, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper spoke with the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Minister for Defense, Saki Soloma; a historic first call between the defense counterparts. Secretary Esper and Minister Soloma spoke to the importance of upholding international rules and norms and their commitment to defending a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Both leaders reinforced the strength of the bilateral relationship and discussed pressing regional security issues. The principals concluded the conversation by reaffirming their commitment to future cooperation and collaboration in…
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Secretary Esper's Remarks at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies 25th Anniversary Speaker Event
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On China’s Continued Coercion of the United Kingdom
"The United States is dismayed to learn that the Chinese Communist Party’s coercive bullying tactics against our friends in the United Kingdom continues. In the latest example, British bank HSBC has reportedly prevented Hong Kong-based executives at Next Media, a well-known publisher of pro-democracy publications, from accessing their credit cards and personal bank accounts. The bank is thus maintaining accounts for individuals who have been sanctioned for denying freedom for Hong Kongers, while shutting accounts for those seeking freedom.
Only a few months ago, HSBC’s…
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U.S. Imposes Restrictions on Certain PRC State-Owned Enterprises and Executives for Malign Activities in the South China Sea
"The United States supports a free and open South China Sea. We respect the sovereign rights of all nations, regardless of size, and seek to preserve peace and uphold freedom of the seas in a manner consistent with international law. In July, I announced an updated policy regarding Beijing’s unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea and emphasized that the United States was prepared to take firm action to oppose Beijing’s campaign of bullying.
Today, the Department of State will begin imposing visa restrictions…
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Commerce Department Adds 24 Chinese Companies to the Entity List for Helping Build Military Islands in the South China Sea
"The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) in the Department of Commerce (Commerce) added 24 Chinese companies to the Entity List for their role in helping the Chinese military construct and militarize the internationally condemned artificial islands in the South China Sea. Despite protests from the United States and other countries, the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has been rapidly building the artificial islands since 2013, enabling the Communist Chinese Party’s (CCP) militarization of disputed outposts in the South China Sea to…
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Designation of People’s Republic of China (PRC) Foreign National and Hong Kong Entity under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act
"Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated one of the most significant drug traffickers in the world – Chinese national Zhang Taotao. Zhang and Hong Kong-based entity Allyrise Technology Group Co., Limited, were designated pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act) for their role in international drug trafficking. Today’s action is part of a continued whole-of-government effort to combat the illegal production and trafficking of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids from the PRC, which have claimed…