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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Remarks by Vice President Pence in Meeting with North Korean Defectors
"Well, thank you all for being here. We’re very grateful for your presence. We’re very grateful for your courage. And on our second visit to Korea, my wife and I wanted the honor of meeting with men and women who fled the tyranny of North Korea, to hear your stories, and today, to make sure that the world hears your stories as well. We’ve been inspired by your bravery. We ourselves have stood and looked across the demilitarized zone, the line across which you fled…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence in Press Gaggle at Cheonan Memorial
"The Cheonan ship behind me was subject to a torpedo attack by North Korea in 2010. And while the international community, and even the United Nations, confirmed that North Korea engaged in the attack, as I stand before you today, North Korea still refuses to accept responsibility for sinking this ship and costing 46 lives that we remember today. Last night, with President Moon, we both reaffirmed our commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. And President Moon, as he said publicly, he also…
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Vice President Pence Interview with NBC's Lester Holt
"All options are on the table. I mean, as you've got in North Korea a country that is threatening the United States of America with ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons. But we really do believe there is a peaceable outcome here to the denuclearization of the North Korean peninsula, but it's going to take consistent and intensified pressure to do that. [...] But make no mistake about it. The United States of America has viable military options to deal with a nuclear threat from North Korea."
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Remarks by Vice President Pence in Press Gaggle Before Air Force Two Departure
"We’re standing in a country [Japan] that has literally seen ballistic missiles overfly their land twice in a single month. And they’ve seen multiple ballistic missiles land within their economic zone, in the Sea of Japan. American Forces Japan and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan are ready for any eventuality, and we will continue to make it clear to all parties that the United States and our allies in this region stand ready at a moment’s notice to defend our people and defend our way…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence and President Moon of the Republic of Korea Before Bilateral Meeting
"Well, thank you President Moon for the warm welcome. I am honored to join you for my first time at the Blue House and my second time, as Vice President of the United States, to the Republic of Korea. [...] For now nearly 70 years, our two nations have been joined together in peace and in prosperity, and in the security of both of our peoples in the Indo-Pacific. And to be able to be here, to be able to share this great moment in…
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Remarks by Vice President Pence to Troops at Yokota Air Base
"For nearly 60 years, the sons and daughters of our two nations have stood together in defense of our most cherished values. To this day, our alliance is the cornerstone of peace, prosperity, and freedom in the Indo-Pacific. And as Prime Minister Abe and I agreed just yesterday, the bond between the United States and Japan has never been stronger than it is today."
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Remarks by Vice President Pence and Prime Minister Abe of Japan in Joint Statements
"The United States-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of peace, prosperity, and freedom in the Indo-Pacific. And, Mr. Prime Minister, as we discussed today, our nations are taking bold steps to strengthen our alliance and deepen our friendship even further. To enhance our bilateral economic ties, last April, Deputy Prime Minister Aso and I were pleased, at your and the President’s direction, to launch the U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue. And it was my honor to host Deputy Prime Minister Aso at the White House last October to…