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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Vice President Pence Visits Wisconsin - China

Vice President Pence Meets with Farmers in Des Moines, Iowa - China

Remarks by Vice President Pence at the Michigan Farm Bureau Lansing Legislative Seminar - China

"You know, for years, one administration after another — frankly, in both political parties — stood by while we amassed extraordinary trade deficits with China. I mean, China took advantage of access to our economy while giving very limited access of what we grow and what we make to their economy.

It’s amazing to think when we went through our inauguration on January 20th, 2017, literally half — $500 billion — half of our international trade deficit was with China. But this President made it…

Remarks by Vice President Pence at the National Association of Manufacturers Winter 2020 Board of Directors Meeting - China

"Just the last month, it’s been an incredible month of progress. And while the Congress is spending their time on other matters, you saw President Trump sign phase one of a new trade deal with China that for the first time includes the beginning of protections of intellectual property and will increase manufacturing exports by $50 billion in the next two years. (Applause.) It’s a beginning.

China has already begun lifting tariffs on American products. They’ve pledged to end currency manipulation. President Trump has made…

Remarks by Vice President Pence at the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Lunar New Year Celebration

"THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you all very much for that very warm welcome. And on behalf of the President of the United States and the First Family: Welcome to the White House. (Applause.)

And join me in thanking an extraordinary leader. I just — as soon as I heard her voice, I had to jump out from behind the curtain. (Laughter.) She is not only the 18th Secretary of Transportation, but frankly, she is one of the most distinguished public servants in the United…

Vice President Pence Interview with Lou Dobbs - China

President Trump Signs Trade Agreement with China

Remarks by Vice President Pence at the Frederic V. Malek Memorial Lecture - China

"[...] I come here today to discuss a subject on which much of the destiny of the 21st century will hinge: the United States relationship with China.

Since the earliest days of this administration, President Trump has been determined to build a relationship with China on a foundation of candor, fairness, and mutual respect, in order to achieve, in his words, “a more just, secure, and peaceful world.”

One year ago this month, I spoke about many of Beijing’s policies most harmful to America’s interests…

Remarks by Vice President Pence in a Press Gaggle - China

"Q You know, growing up here in Iowa, I have a lot of friends who are farmers. My grandma — my family owns a dairy farm. And obviously, a lot — you spoke of, today, these — these countries are going to be the most helpful. And it’s sort of been — they’re in for the — they’re banking on the long-term — long-term effects of your presidency’s plan — Trump’s presidency’s plans to benefit them, and it’s been a hard few years.

And what…

Readout of Vice President Mike Pence’s Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso of Japan

"Vice President Mike Pence and Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso of Japan met today at the United Nations General Assembly to discuss topics of mutual interest in advance of the two leaders of their nations meeting tomorrow. The Vice President and the Deputy Prime Minister discussed global and bilateral issues, including people-to-people ties and cooperation in space, emphasizing the new heights that the US-Japan Alliance has reached under President Trump and Prime Minister Abe. The two also discussed the positive progress being made towards a…