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 Call with Mongolia’s President Battulga
"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Mongolia’s President Khaltmaagiin Battulga. Secretary Pompeo and President Battulga discussed the strategic partnership between the United States and Mongolia, which is based on shared democratic values, a commitment to economic development, and deep people-to-people ties. The two also discussed working together to strengthen security in Asia, promote the rule of law, and support the traditional heritage and culture of all Mongolians, as well as the possibility of rescheduling the Secretary’s visit to Ulaanbaatar in the near…
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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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Readout of Secretary Esper's Call with Mongolian Minister of Defense Saikhanbayar
"On August 24, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper held a telephone call with his Mongolian counterpart, Minister of Defense G. Saikhanbayar.
Secretary Esper reaffirmed our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and thanked Mongolia for its continued contributions to global peacekeeping operations and Coalition efforts in Afghanistan.
Both leaders agreed to develop further the bilateral strategic partnership under Mongolia’s “third neighbor policy,” which Secretary Esper characterized as important for maintaining Mongolia’s sovereignty and supporting its force modernization."
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Mongolia National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my best wishes to the people of Mongolia on the opening of the Naadam festival on July 11.
As strategic partners and Third Neighbors, the United States and Mongolia enjoy a strong partnership bound by common interests, shared democratic values, and respect for human rights and the rule of law.
On this occasion for celebration, I wish the people of Mongolia a wonderful Naadam."
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Remarks by President Trump Before Meeting With President Battulga of Mongolia
"Q Mr. President, have you thought of a name for the horse yet? [It is tradition for U.S. presidents to be symbolically gifted with a Mongolian horse when meeting with their Mongolian counterparts.]
PRESIDENT TRUMP: I did. “Victory.”
Q Victory.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you very much for the horse. Did you see a picture of the horse?
Q Not yet.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Beautiful.
Mongolia — they’re great fighters. You know, they’re great fighters, great wrestlers, great champions. Right? And we have the grand champion…
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Mongolia National Day
"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I send my warm regards to the Mongolian people as you gather for the opening of this year’s Naadam Festival on July 11.
The United States and Mongolia have built a strong partnership rooted in our shared commitment to societies respectful of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. We look back over thirty-two years of diplomatic ties with pride, and look forward to deepened relations as third neighbors and Indo-Pacific partners.
On…