U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin

 

Virtual Press Briefing with James P. Danly, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy on President Trump’s Energy Dominance Agenda in Asia

09/14/2026

Virtual Press Briefing with James P. Danly, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy on President Trump’s Energy Dominance Agenda in Asia 09/14/2026 04:37 AM EDT James P. Danly, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy Asia Pacific Media Hub MODERATOR:  Good morning from the U.S. Department of State’s Asia Pacific Media Hub.  I’m Tim Johnson, and it’s my pleasure to welcome journalists to today’s on-the-record briefing.  Today we’re honored to host James Danly, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, who joins us from Bangkok, where he’s participating in the Gastech Conference alongside global energy leaders. With that, let’s get started.  Mr. Deputy Secretary, I’ll turn it over to you for your opening remarks. DEPUTY SECRETARY DANLY:  Thank you very much.  It’s great to be with you all.  As was just said, I am here at Gastech, and we’re basically doing everything we can to implement the President’s agenda of American energy dominance, which means affordable, reliable, secure energy, greater production at home, and the export of as much energy of all kinds to our friends and allies overseas. So I’m happy to take your questions.  Thank you. MODERATOR:  Thank you very much.  Our first question goes to Johannes Neudecker from the German Press Agency, if you could please unmute yourself and go ahead. QUESTION:  Yes, thank you very much for the opportunity.  I’m curious how Taiwan is part of the strategy for energy dominance, because Taiwan is a large importer of energy in Asia and, at the same time, there are tensions between Taiwan and China, and the U.S. has been supporting Taiwan.  So I’m curious how Taiwan is, yeah, part of the strategy. DEPUTY SECRETARY DANLY:  So Taiwan is similar to other countries around the world.  The administration has a pretty clear-eyed view.  The President wants peace abroad and prosperity at home.  And one of the ways that we achieve that is by engaging in as much mutually beneficial trade with everybody we can, and Taiwan, like other countries, is free to take American energy abundance on commercially viable terms, mutually beneficial terms.  And they do and they have and they will continue. In fact, Taiwan signed a long-term LNG contract with Cheniere just this year and continues to import American energy.  The basic outlook that we have is that we want to ensure that America’s abundance is made available broadly to friends and allies across the world, Taiwan being among them. MODERATOR:  Thank you very much.  Our next question goes to Cindy Frishanti Octavia of ANTARA in Indonesia, if you could please unmute yourself and go ahead. QUESTION:  Hi, thank you for the opportunity.  I have two questions. Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago nation, with major coal, geothermal, and critical mineral resources.  the DOE strategy to engage with Indonesia’s own energy transition and mineral export ambition? And my second question is:  Indonesia recently has launched a plan to build 100 gigawatts of solar capacity within three years.  Does the United States see a role for American technology financing or great expertise in that build-up?  Thank you. DEPUTY SECRETARY DANLY:  Thank you.  So at the risk of repeating myself, the strategy that America has, our policy, is to share as much of America’s abundance as we can with countries all over the world that want to engage in mutually beneficial trade.  And we’ve had a longstanding partnership with Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.  That engagement has and continues to reflect the interests of both countries. I would mention that 100 gigawatts of solar, when you get down to it, really is much closer to an effective capacity of about 15.  And when countries are trying to meet rising electric demand, they need to do it with dispatchable generation.  You can’t run your electricity system on intermittence primarily or alone.  And so the – what America would love to do is be in a position to supply the fuel and the technology necessary to ensure that baseload power is available to countries that want to take advantage of American exports.  And we are dedicated to trying to get as many commercial relationships established as solidly as possible to ensure that the world benefits from America’s energy abundance. MODERATOR:  Thank you.  We have a question in the Q&A box from Cici Cao of South China Morning Post, if you wouldn’t mind unmuting yourself and asking your question. QUESTION:  Hi, am I clear? MODERATOR:  Yes, please go ahead. QUESTION:  Oh, yeah.  So a question from South China Morning Post.  So many Southeast Asian countries are trying to balance their energy relationships between China and the U.S.  So what is the administration offering countries in the region that it believes Chinese energy investment cannot?  Thank you. DEPUTY SECRETARY DANLY:  Thank you.  So I think probably the primary thing that America offers the world is that we’re the largest exporter of oil and gas on Earth.  We’ve been increasing our production for years.  We are going to be setting new highs for oil production and for LNG exports.  Our LNG exports have doubled and they’re going to double again.  This last year, we authorized an additional 17 BCF of exports and we’re going to continue to authorize more.  And the basic outlook for worldwide energy consumption is that the United States is going to continue to play not just a fundamental but a primary role in supplying these basic commodities to as many people who can take advantage of it. The U.S. is a good counterparty for such trade.  We have very reliable and dependable companies to work with.  We have a completely reliable courts system.  We have commercially reasonable terms on which to engage with foreign countries.  And we have a long history of being enthused and motivated to ensure that our companies have the best access to the whole world and that the whole world has access to our companies. American technology exports also fundamental, and we want to, within the region, export as much as we can over time of our nuclear technology to ensure further that people have that affordable, reliable, secure energy, which is the predicate for prosperity and economic development. MODERATOR:  Thank you.  Our next question goes to Philip Wen of the Straits Times, who asks:  “How does the U.S. view the energy challenges facing Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan?  And what role can U.S. LNG and nuclear play in strengthening energy security in Asia?” DEPUTY SECRETARY DANLY:  So the entire region is facing rapidly rising demand of a type that’s unprecedented.  Demand for all forms of energy, both primary and electricity, are greater than we’ve ever seen before.  And not only is the electricity and energy demand rising, it’s rising at a rate that’s faster than it’s ever been. It’s expected that the region, according to the Energy Information Administration, is going to end up having almost a 15 or 20 percent increase over the next – I forget – four, five, six years for certain commodities.  And the United States stands ready to fill the breach and deliver as much of that as people are willing to take from us. The real issue that is facing the region is not simply the fact that there’s rising demand, but that there are fundamental infrastructure constraints that need to be dealt with in order to take advantage of imports from overseas, including the United States.  And there’s no doubt that the economies of the region are in need for electricity and energy.  They’re also raring to go and there’s going to be a lot of economic development quickly.  And it would certainly be a shame if it were the constraint of energy that slowed down economic development that’s only just taking off. The United States wants to help with every aspect of that, whether it’s transmission for electricity, which we are very good at, whether it’s nuclear power, which we’ve had a long history.  We run the largest nuclear power fleet on Earth, and we’ve been one of the primary suppliers of nuclear technology across the world, and we want to continue to do so, and in fact, increase the amount of that to the extent that we can. Really, the energy challenges of the region are those infrastructural bottlenecks.  It is not anything economically fundamental.  And to the extent possible, the United States wants to help.  And we are ready to, whether it’s LNG exports increasing or nuclear power transfers – or not transfers of power, but technology transfers. MODERATOR:  Thank you.  Our next question goes to Yusuke Ota of NHK in Japan, who asks:  “To strengthen energy security and overcome the crisis associated with the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, what kind of cooperation do you envision pursuing with Japan in areas such as LNG and other energy exports?” DEPUTY SECRETARY DANLY:  So Japan and the United States have been joined together for years in energy diplomacy and trade.  We’ve had common interest for decades and decades.  And the United States has been a fundamental, fundamental ally of Japan as they have been for us. So to the extent to which the Japanese people want more American energy imports, they’re absolutely entitled to negotiate for whatever they need.  And the United States wants to see a robust and extremely vigorous Japan that pursues its own interests with American assistance when it makes sense.  And we’re dedicated to ensuring that they have the predicate requirements for that. So on that subject, we’re having the – this week in Texas, we’re having the Quad Fuel Security Forum, which is part of this commitment; it’s a demonstration of our commitment to ensuring that the entire region has fuel security going forward.  This is a subject that is top of mind across the world.  And for allies in Australia and India and Japan, we want to ensure that the volatility of the market and supply disruptions don’t impede their economic development or the prosperity and happiness of the people. So we are dedicated to assisting with this and, to the extent that anybody wants to trade with America, we are open for business. MODERATOR:  Thank you.  Our next question goes to Tuan Dao of TheInvestor.vn in Vietnam, who asks:  “Vietnam has expressed desire to import more energy, particularly LNG from the U.S., to balance trade.  What are the obstacles to this cooperation and what should be done to overcome them?” DEPUTY SECRETARY DANLY:  So the – we have had a long engagement with Vietnam on energy cooperation.  Among the challenges, because you asked specifically about that, is what I mentioned before.  We have infrastructure constraints.  Vietnam needs to have more import terminals, which certainly we can assist with, but we are ready to send LNG in large quantities. Vietnam would need to have more regasification capacity and more pipelines.  And so these are all fundamental infrastructure that is required in order to take advantage of the abundance that America is ready to share with the world. There’s already a market in Vietnam.  The country is experiencing the same demand growth that the rest of the region is.  It’s on the verge of even increasing the amount of manufacturing and industrial output.  And as it is for everything in life, energy is the predicate requirement, and abundance and affordable energy is required in order to see that kind of prosperity and industrialization. So the United States wants to be a partner to all of our friends and allies across the world, and certainly Vietnam is no exception.  We want to see as much American abundance in the hands of the Vietnamese as possible.  It is, however, constrained by basic infrastructure requirements.  And so our hope is that that bottleneck be solved as soon as possible so both countries can benefit. MODERATOR:  Thank you.  We have time for one more question, and it will go to Surachna Um of CCTimes in Cambodia, who asks:  “How does the Department of Energy envision the Genesis Mission and U.S. AI breakthroughs benefiting Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition?  And are there opportunities for research partnerships between the U.S. National Laboratories and regional institutions?” DEPUTY SECRETARY DANLY:  So there’s certainly already a model for that.  The Genesis Mission – which, for those of you who are not familiar with it, is the Department of Energy’s flagship project to use artificial intelligence to enhance scientific research – the promises are already remarkably demonstrated just with the very beginning of the program in which we’re seeing signs that the value of every dollar spent on fundamental research is increased by multiple times its original value.  And this, of course, is across all domains of scientific inquiry. We have a model for cooperation in Japan, which was the first country that joined us in the Genesis Mission, and they’re going to be a great partner for us.  We’re very enthusiastic about it. And the promises of AI are dramatic.  Imagine a world in which you can reduce the timeline that it takes to design or fabricate a part by an order of magnitude.  Think about the reduction in cost for basic industrial processes.  AI promises to do everything from enhance the operation of the utility system, to discover new medicine, to make fundamental breakthroughs that are going to change human lives. And so to the extent to which any country wants to partner with us, we are open to anything they have to say.  We would like as many people to get the benefits of this.  And America has been on the cutting edge of artificial intelligence and computing generally, and this is something that we want to – like our energy abundance – share with the world, because the benefits to everybody are obvious. MODERATOR:  Thank you very much.  And now, Mr. Deputy Secretary, if you have any closing comments, I’ll turn it back to you. DEPUTY SECRETARY DANLY:  In closing, all I want to say is that the United States is resolute in its desire to ensure that the abundance that we’ve been blessed with in all forms of energy are made available on commercially mutually beneficial terms of the world.  We are open for business and we want to be a partner to the region. MODERATOR:  All right, thank you very much.  Thank you all for joining us today.  We’ll provide the audio recording of today’s briefing shortly via email to participating journalists, and the transcript will be available in the coming hours.  If you have any feedback or further questions, please feel free to contact us at AsiaPacMedia@state.gov.  Thanks again for your participation and we hope you can join us for another briefing soon.  Take care. # # #

Virtual Press Briefing with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matt Murray on U.S. Participation in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting

09/15/2026

Virtual Press Briefing with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matt Murray on U.S. Participation in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting 09/15/2026 12:49 AM EDT Matt Murray, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific IslandsBureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Asia Pacific Media Hub MODERATOR:  Greetings from the U.S. Department of State’s Asia Pacific Media Hub.  It’s my pleasure to welcome journalists to today’s on-the-record briefing.  Today, we are honored to be joined by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matt Murray. All right, with that, let’s get started.  DAS Murray, I’ll turn it over to you for your – for your opening remarks. DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY MURRAY:  Great.  Thank you very much for the introduction.  Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau traveled to Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati from August 31st to September 11th.  I was pleased to accompany the Deputy Secretary on much of the trip.  It was the Deputy Secretary’s third extended trip to the Pacific Islands over the past year and demonstrates the U.S. commitment to the Pacific focused on our shared economic and security interests.  The Pacific Islands are a priority for the United States, and we are backing up our commitment to the region with sustained senior-level engagement. In Palau, the Deputy Secretary represented the United States as a dialogue partner at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.  The Deputy Secretary led a strong interagency delegation to those meetings, including the Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Kevin Lunday, PACOM Deputy Commander Lieutenant General Rowell, Assistant Secretary of Interior William Hague, and senior-level representatives from the Development Finance Corporation, Millennium Challenge Corporation, Peace Corps, and the Department of Energy. While at the PIF in Palau, the Deputy Secretary held 11 bilateral meetings with counterparts and announced over $150 million in support for the Pacific Islands.  This financial support will serve to ensure energy security, build critical infrastructure, expand commercial diplomacy, promote trusted digital technology, advance law enforcement cooperation and maritime security, deepen scientific and technical cooperation, and expand people-to-people ties. I’d be happy to go into greater detail on U.S. deliverables at the PIF in the Q&A, but I wanted to highlight three key areas of focus in particular where the United States continues to deepen ties with Pacific Island countries. First, on expanding commercial diplomacy, strengthening U.S. commercial ties to support private sector-led growth in the Pacific is imperative.  As the Deputy Secretary emphasized in his op-ed in regional outlets, as we do so, we will promote trade over aid.  We therefore are reorienting our foreign assistance programs to support private sector-led growth in the Pacific.  A great example of this approach is our work with the private sector and with Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Taiwan to collectively ensure every single Pacific Island Forum country is connected to a trusted undersea cable network.  Another is our reaffirmed commitment to the South Pacific Tuna Treaty, which for nearly four decades has supported jobs and livelihoods for Americans and Pacific Islanders. In February of this year, Deputy Secretary Landau and PACOM Commander Admiral Paparo co-hosted the inaugural U.S.-Pacific Islands Trade and Investment Summit at the East-West Center in Honolulu.  That summit brought over 80 American companies to meet with Pacific Island government leaders to discuss partnerships and business opportunities with the U.S. private sector.  And since the summit, we’ve also seen key negotiations move forward with U.S. geothermal companies in Vanuatu and Tonga, a major satellite internet connectivity announcement in Papua New Guinea, and further investments in undersea cables.  Responding to a strong demand signal from PIF members, therefore, Deputy Secretary Landau announced in Palau that we will host a second Pacific Investment Summit in early 2027 to continue advancing commercial cooperation. Second, on ensuring energy security, the United States also sought to respond to a strong demand signal from PIF members, many of whom had stressed during the Pacific Heads of Mission hosted by the State Department in Washington in June that assisting the Pacific Islands with the fuel-related impacts of the Iran conflict would be a top priority at the PIF.  We continue to partner with Pacific Island countries, including through the private sector, to support access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy. Since the global energy crisis began, we have worked with the private sector and exporting countries to encourage continued supply of fuel exports to the Pacific Islands.  And I’m pleased to say that the region has not experienced a supply shortage to date, though we continue to monitor this closely along with our partners, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.  We understand that rising energy costs and their direct effect on Pacific national budgets are the most urgent issue for the region.  Pacific countries also face ongoing challenges with fuel storage capacity and grid stabilization, which increase the rise of blackouts. The Deputy Secretary, therefore, was pleased to announce at the PIF that working with Congress, the department intends to provide $60 million to help Pacific Island countries address both short-term budgetary shortfalls in the wake of the ongoing global energy crisis as well as longer-term needs such as expanding fuel storage capacity and supporting grid stability. In addition, in Tonga specifically, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, USTDA, with funding from the Department of State, plans to strengthen Tonga’s fuel supply reliability and energy security through a feasibility study to help upgrade Tonga’s port facilities, fuel storage capacity, pipeline infrastructure, and market-oriented regulatory practices. Third, on advancing law enforcement cooperation and advancing maritime security, the United States is prioritizing increased regional security cooperation with the Pacific to stop the flow of illicit drugs, enhance maritime domain awareness, and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.  These are pressing challenges impacting the safety, security, and prosperity of Americans and Pacific Islanders. As noted, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Lunday joined the Deputy Secretary in Palau, and the Coast Guard’s efforts to increase its presence in the Pacific and to partner with PIF members through shiprider agreements have been welcomed by Pacific Island countries. At the PIF, the Deputy Secretary announced the inaugural U.S.-Pacific Islands Conference of Police Ministers, COPMIN, to be held later this year and to be co-chaired with Palau.  COPMIN will focus on maritime security, drug trafficking, cyber crime, and illicit finance.  The Deputy Secretary also announced a $17 million Pacific Regional IUU Fishing Project to counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Pacific Islands, focused on legal support to update national laws, policies, and regulations to align to regional IUU fishing strategic objectives, develop training programs, and deploy new technologies.  And as I stated previously, I’d be happy to discuss additional details of other deliverables in the Q&A. Following engagements at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, the Deputy Secretary continued to travel to Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia, Honiara in the Solomon Islands, and Christmas Island for the Kiribati Development Partners Forum.  On those stops, he had bilateral meetings in each country with President Simina, Prime Minister Wale, and President Maamau, respectively. In Chuuk, the Deputy Secretary surveyed the recovery efforts following Typhoon Sinlaku’s damage and announced the United States intends to provide over $100 million to support disaster relief and reconstruction in FSM, delivering on U.S.  commitments under the Compact of Free Association. In Honiara, the Deputy Secretary paid a reciprocal visit to the Solomon Islands following Prime Minister Wale’s visit to Washington, D.C., in July.  The visit was highlighted by the signing of a Peace Corps country agreement with the foreign minister to facilitate the return of the Peace Corps after a 26-year absence. And on Christmas Island, the Deputy Secretary attended the Kiribati Development Partners Forum at the invitation of President Maamau to emphasize the United States commitment to partnership with Kiribati on economic development in line with the Kiribati 20-Year Vision. Strong U.S. ties with the Pacific make our country and the region safer, stronger, and more prosperous.  The United States stands ready, willing, and eager to deepen our partnerships in the Pacific, and will continue to show up in the region.  The Deputy Secretary’s trip over the past two weeks again underscored that as a Pacific nation, the United States will continue to prioritize our relationships with the Pacific Islands on the basis of partnership and respect. And with that, I’d be happy to take your questions. MODERATOR:  Thank you.  We will now turn to the question-and-answer portion of today’s briefing.  Our first question goes to Mar-Vic Cagurangan from Pacific Island Times, Guam.  Mar-Vic, if you can please unmute yourself and go ahead. Mar-Vic, are you able to unmute yourself?  Seems like Mar-Vic may be having some technical difficulties.  Why don’t we move on and we’ll get back to you, Mar-Vic.  In the meantime, hopefully you can figure out the audio button. Johann Neudecker from German Press Agency, you are next.  I will give you permission to unmute yourself.  Please go ahead. QUESTION:  Yeah, thank you very much and thanks for this opportunity.  I’m Johannes Neudecker from the German Press Agency in Beijing.  So I would like to know, how do you evaluate the role of China in the region you just talked about?  A few weeks ago we saw that they fired an intercontinental missile towards the region.  So how does China maybe also pose a threat to U.S. strategy in the region?  And how are the United States countervailing China’s efforts in diplomacy, economic cooperation, and security cooperation in the region?  Thank you. DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY MURRAY:  Thank you for the question, Johannes.  Really appreciate it.  I would say that the United States certainly shares concerns with our Pacific Island partners related to China’s malign activities in the Pacific, which include IUU fishing, elite capture and corruption, economic coercion, environmental degradation, and, as you mentioned as well, provocations like the recent SLBM launch. We want to work with PIF and PIF members as well as other regional organizations to continue to address some of these concerns.  But also, as Deputy Secretary Landau stated on several occasions during this trip, we’re not simply engaging the Pacific because of a desire just to deter or oppose China, but really because we want to, as the United States, have better relationships with these countries, which are so important to our own security and our own prosperity at home. We also obviously are concerned about China’s behavior towards Taiwan when it comes to the Pacific Islands Forum specifically, and we continue to oppose China’s efforts to pressure countries to sever or downgrade ties with Taiwan or Taiwan’s participation in the Pacific Islands Forum.  There’s certainly precedent that goes back many years for how Taiwan has participated as a development partner in the PIF, and we believe it is up to PIF members to decide how to move forward in that regard. But one thing I would also add here is that I thought it was unfortunate that during this year’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, so much of the international media coverage around the PIF focused on China’s efforts to undermine the forum or to advance its own malign interests and/or focus on China-Taiwan friction.  Because I think for those of us on the ground, the predominant story in Palau was really PIF members’ efforts to collaborate to solve economic and security challenges, and the United States is pleased to play a positive role at the PIF as a dialogue partner in that regard. So to sum up, I would say, yes, we’re concerned, but also we want to make sure that we’re advancing stronger U.S.-Pacific ties that are focused on the benefits to the United States and to the people of the Pacific Islands. MODERATOR:  Thank you.  Our next question goes to Stephen Dziedzic from ABC, Australia.  Please unmute yourself and pose your question live. QUESTION:  Now, hello, can you hear me there? DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY MURRAY:  Yes. QUESTION:  My question – okay, thank you so much.  Thank you for your time.  Look, I was just wondering if I could dwell a little bit on the trip that was taken in particular to Solomon Islands.  Can I ask what the U.S. Government’s assessment is of the Wale government’s strategic posture at the moment?  Is the U.S. pleased to see the prospect of Australia and Solomon Islands signing a new treaty, perhaps within the coming two months?  And does the U.S. have a view as to the role that China could or should play as a security provider in Solomon Islands?  So Matthew Wale seems to take a more skeptical view towards China’s presence as a provider of security goods.  Does the United States believe that the 2022 agreement should be allowed to lapse next year when it hits its five-year mark?  Any reflections on that would be valuable.  Thank you. DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY MURRAY:  Great.  Thanks for the questions, Stephen.  Appreciate it.  So I would say, first of all, when we look at the U.S. relationship with the Solomon Islands, we look back, of course, many decades.  We have enjoyed 48 years of diplomatic relations, which is based on our partnership forged during World War II.  Of course, being in Guadalcanal really has special meaning for those of us in the United States who know or have relatives who fought in the war, and many of which were involved in the Battle of Guadalcanal.  And so we built over time with Solomon Islands a relationship based on shared values, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.  And we were one of the first countries to recognize Solomon Islands after its independence.  And so we remain committed to that relationship. I think to your question, we’re delighted to see Prime Minister Wale reprioritize his approach to foreign policy as he’s come into power as prime minister.  It’s definitely worth noting that his first six international trips were to Australia and New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, the United States, and Japan.  And it was really an honor for our team, and I know for the Deputy Secretary as well, to be able to welcome Prime Minister Wale’s visit to Washington last month. And just in that first visit, we accomplished a great deal in terms of finalizing an investment incentive agreement with the Development Finance Corporation, nearly finalizing and then being able to sign at the end of the month of July a shiprider agreement with the U.S. Coast Guard.  At the time of the visit to Washington, we signed a letter of intent to reestablish the Peace Corps in Solomon Islands, and then was very happy to see us be able to sign a country agreement to bring the Peace Corps back to Solomon Islands when the Deputy Secretary visited Honiara. And we want to continue to look for ways in which we can work with the Solomon Islands as an economic and security partner.  And certainly we know that Prime Minister Wale is reconsidering his approach and his government’s approach to other counterparts, whether it’s China or whether it’s Australia or others in the region.  And essentially, we want to make sure – and the Deputy Secretary has conveyed this to the prime minister – that we can be a strong partner of the Solomon Islands and that we can engage the Solomon Islands on the basis of transparency, collaboration, and in the spirit of equal partnership.  And so we look forward to continuing to build out that relationship and build on these recent successes that we’ve had with the Solomon Islands. MODERATOR:  Thank you.  I see, Mar-Vic, your hand is up.  Let’s try again.  Mar-Vic, if you can please unmute yourself and go ahead. QUESTION:  Can you hear me?  Hello? MODERATOR:  Yes, we can hear you loud and clear. QUESTION:  Okay, all right.  Thank you.  Okay.  So could you please provide us an update on the United States negotiation with the FSM regarding plans to build a defense site in Yap?  I understand this was among the topics discussed between the Deputy Secretary and the FSM president during his meeting. DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY MURRAY:  Sure.  Thank you, Mar-Vic, for the question.  I would say that much more of the focus during the visit to the Federated States of Micronesia was on the recovery efforts from Typhoon Sinlaku.  We went to Chuuk specifically so that the Deputy Secretary and the delegation could assess the recovery efforts that were underway.  We traveled over to Tonoas Island and surveyed the damage firsthand, talked to members of the community, worked with the people and the organizations that would be delivering the assistance.  And as I said in my remarks, the United States is providing more than $100 million in foreign assistance for those recovery efforts, which I think underscores the importance of the Compact of Free Association and the relationship we have with FSM. Certainly, the Deputy Secretary and President Simina also discussed other issues related to the Compact of Free Association, and certainly, there were discussions around the security and defense side of that as well.  The Deputy Secretary has been very focused on the Compact of Free Association countries of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and Palau, and has been very focused on ensuring that we are living up to our commitments under the compacts, but also that the countries we’re engaging are living up to their commitments under the compacts.  And we’ve had a lot of discussion and dialogue with the FSM in that context. And so we’ll continue to do so as we move forward, and certainly, various projects under the security and defense side will continue to be a part of that discussion. MODERATOR:  Thank you, sir.  Our next question goes to Allen Limos from The Manila Times.  Allen, please unmute yourself and go ahead. QUESTION:  Hello, am I audible? MODERATOR:  Yes, you are. DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY MURRAY:  Yes, I can hear you. QUESTION:  So my question is, how does the deeper U.S. security and maritime engagement in the South Pacific complement with the Philippines’ own strategic stance under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and regional maritime domain awareness?  Thank you. DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY MURRAY:  Great.  Well, thank you for the question.  I would just say right off the top that we very much prioritize increased regional security cooperation with the Pacific to stem the flow of illegal and illicit drugs, to enhance maritime domain awareness, and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.  These are pressing challenges which impact the safety, security, and prosperity of Americans and Pacific Islanders alike. As I am responsible for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, I don’t have as much visibility into the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement that you just referenced as a – which I do know is a pillar of the U.S.-Philippines alliance, but certainly, I think that we’re trying to accomplish many of the same goals in the Pacific.  For example, when Deputy Secretary Landau visited the region last year, last spring – I guess earlier this year – he announced $2.5 million to counter illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing and support for automatic identification systems for Samoa and Tonga, satellite communications for the Fiji Navy, and an enhanced shiprider agreement with Tonga. And then during this trip, when Deputy Secretary Landau traveled to Palau, the FSM, and Solomon Islands with the Coast Guard Commandant, it really reflected the importance that the United States places on maritime security.  I mentioned earlier the $17 million we provided for regional support in the IUU area.  In July, we also had signed a shiprider agreement with the Solomon Islands.  And we also, while we were on the ground in Honiara with the Deputy Secretary, we visited the Forum Fisheries Agency to tour its surveillance center, which provides real-time data to the PIF membership. So I think clearly a lot of the priorities in these areas on maritime domain awareness are very much aligned with some of the same things that I believe you’re trying to do in the Philippines as well. MODERATOR:  Thank you, sir.  I see Leslie Liao has her hand up.  Please, Leslie, go ahead and unmute yourself and please pose your question live. Leslie, can you please try unmuting yourself? QUESTION:  Hello, can you hear me? MODERATOR:  Yes, we can. QUESTION:  Okay, sorry about that.  So, hi, Deputy Assistant Secretary.  This is my question:  During the forum, the United States expressed support for Taiwan’s participation in the Pacific Islands Forum.  I understand that the United States was a bit disappointed that PIF media coverage may have focused too much on Taiwan-China friction or China’s influence at the event, but in the face of efforts from Beijing’s active – Beijing’s active efforts to block Taiwan’s participation, will the United States continue to support Taiwan’s presence here and will it take measures to ensure its inclusion in future PIF events, or is that something that Washington will choose to leave up to Pacific Island member-states?  Thank you. DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY MURRAY:  Well, thanks for the question, Leslie.  I mean, the United States does strongly support Taiwan’s continued participation in the Pacific Islands Forum, where, as you know, Taiwan has been a development partner since 1992.  We see Taiwan as a reliable, likeminded, and democratic partner that contributes significantly to prosperity and economic development across the Pacific.  And we know that the Taiwan foreign minister had an active schedule while he was on the ground in Palau. As I noted earlier, we do want to encourage the PIF to continue to follow its own established precedent.  And I think it’s important just to differentiate that whereas China bullies PIF members in an attempt to get its way, the United States approaches the PIF membership with respect and on an equal footing and respects the precedents they’ve set over time and want them to be able to continue to follow that.  And it was good to see that happen in Palau this year.  There was also several, I know, events that included Taiwan, and yes, we’re supportive of that. I think just to clarify my response earlier about much of the international media coverage was focused on China-Taiwan, certainly, I think it’s my view that that is an important story that came through at the PIF, but it’s not the only story.  And I guess my encouragement would be for the international media to also look at some of the other developments at PIF as PIF members and partners address some of the concerns and some of the opportunities that are before them today, whether that’s related to energy security or digital connectivity or dealing with maritime security or so many other things.  And I think that’s why it’s important for all of us to be looking comprehensively at everything that happened in Palau, though I do fully recognize that China-Taiwan friction was an important story that happened in the lead-up to and during the Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting. MODERATOR:  Thank you, sir.  We are unfortunately out of time for Q&A.  So before we conclude, we’ll turn it back to you, DAS Murray, for any final closing remarks. DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY MURRAY:  Well, thank you very much for the opportunity.  I think, as Deputy Secretary Landau has stressed repeatedly in his engagements, strong U.S. ties with the Pacific do make our country and the region safer, stronger, and more prosperous.  And I think the Deputy Secretary has said previously that really what differentiates America from the rest of the world, and certainly in this region, is our openness, our transparency, our trustworthiness, and our commitment to freedom and innovation and free market capitalism. And we want to continue to advance our interests in those areas, and also to partner with Pacific Island countries in an effort to really advance their own economic and security goals and to do so again in a spirit of partnership and in a way that will also build institutions across the region, whether those are multilateral organizations or regional organizations like the Pacific Islands Forum, or whether those are opportunities bilaterally with each individual country – each of which, of course, has unique needs and unique challenges – because we really want to make sure that the United States presence in this region is not only sustained and longstanding, but also can provide the benefits that will, again, make both the United States and the Pacific safer, stronger, and more prosperous. So thank you very much. MODERATOR:  Thank you very much, sir, and thank you to all of you who joined us today.  We will provide a transcript of this briefing to all participating journalists as soon as it’s available.  If you have any feedback or further questions, please feel free to contact us at AsiaPacMedia@state.gov.  Thanks again for your participation, and we hope you can join us for another briefing very soon.  Have a good day, everyone.  Thank you. # # #

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys at the Critical Minerals Framework Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony

09/17/2026

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys at the Critical Minerals Framework Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony 09/17/2026 01:15 PM EDT Marco Rubio, Secretary of State Washington, D.C. Colin L. Powell Treaty Room Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys at the Critical Minerals Framework Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony Remarks September 17, 2026 SECRETARY RUBIO:  Thank you.  Thank you, all, for being here today.  And I’m excited to sign this framework, which highlights the strong cooperation and partnership between the United States and Lithuania.  As the council president – incoming council president of the European Union, it’s good to know that the presidency will be held by a country that prioritizes economic security.  Supply chain – secure supply and processing of critical minerals is essential to the 21st century economy.  I think this has been talked about.  It’s essential to the economy; it’s essential to our defenses as well.  And Lithuania’s – for example, they’re a global leader in photonics, photonic power.  So – they’re a photonic power, so this rigorous – rigorous investment screening that protects it.  So this is a very positive thing.  Lithuania and the United States are going to jointly identify as part of all those priority projects and mobilize government and the private sector to finance them within six months. So this is a very positive development.  We’re very happy and pleased that you’re here as our guest today and to sign this together, and look forward to the wonderful things we’re going to be able to do in partnership on this critical component of both economic and national security.  So thank you very much.  We appreciate you.  Thank you.  FOREIGN MINISTER BUDRYS:  Thank you very much for this opportunity.  For our government, Government of Lithuania, this is the number two priority in our foreign policy, next to the hard security, to meet the challenges within the field of economy, economic security, and to build the strategic partnership with United States as the leading power in the world in building the resilient and strong supply chains.  And we are very practical in this approach.  We made this decision after thorough presentations with our businesses.  So they are looking forward, and we expect that it will end up with the big projects that will build security and prosperity to our countries.  Thank you very much. SECRETARY RUBIO:  Thank you.  All right, let’s sign. (The Memorandum of Understanding was signed.) SECRETARY RUBIO:  You want to – we’ll do one closed and one open.  How’s that? FOREIGN MINISTER BUDRYS:  Oh.  (Laughter.) SECRETARY RUBIO:  It says the same thing in both of them.  Great. Thank you.  FOREIGN MINISTER BUDRYS:  Yeah. (Applause.)

Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Foreign Minister Budrys

09/18/2026

Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Foreign Minister Budrys 09/18/2026 08:40 AM EDT Office of the Spokesman Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Foreign Minister Budrys Readout September 18, 2026 The below is attributable to Spokesman Tommy Pigott: Secretary of State Marco Rubio met yesterday with Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys to strengthen U.S-Lithuania political and security cooperation. The Secretary welcomed Lithuania reaching its Hague defense spending target ahead of schedule. The Secretary and Foreign Minister signed the U.S.-Lithuania Critical Minerals Framework to strengthen advanced technology and defense supply chains. They discussed the importance of opposing the abuses of the Cuban regime.

The Week at State: September 11 – September 17, 2026

09/18/2026

September 11 - September 17 Next week is UN General Assembly High-Level Week, where world leaders converge on New York City. Throughout the week and beyond, the United States will prioritize peace, prosperity, and primacy of nations. But first, here’s what happened at State this past week. President Trump issued the Presidential Determination on major drug transit and illicit drug-producing countries. Secretary Rubio announced a new visa-restriction policy targeting foreign nationals involved in race-based discrimination. We remembered the legacy of diplomat George Kennan, whose strategy of containment guided American diplomacy for decades. Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries On September 15, President Trump submitted a determination to congress identifying countries that are responsible for producing or transiting drugs. The determination identified countries that have failed to uphold their drug-control obligations and highlighted the Trump Administration's success in combating the fentanyl crisis. "After four years of open border chaos, seizures of fentanyl and other drugs being smuggled into the United States have been reduced by more than half, and drug overdose deaths have plunged," said President Trump. "My Administration has saved tens of thousands of American lives from this scourge." The determination noted that while the United States has secured its borders, countries like Canada and Mexico must take stronger actions to dismantle drug labs and degrade criminal networks. It also highlighted potentially expanded cooperation with Bolivia and Colombia's resurgence as a security partner.  The list of major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries is: Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Burma, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. New Visa Restriction Policy Targets Race-Based Discrimination On September 15, Secretary Rubio announced new visa restrictions targeting foreign nationals involved in race-based discrimination in South Africa. The restrictions focus on foreign nationals who enable “uncompensated land seizures, race-based discrimination, and/or the incitement of imminent violence against members of minority ethnic or racial groups in South Africa,” Secretary Rubio explained in a statement. “These actions directly undermine peace, economic stability, and the rule of law, and they are incompatible with the pillars of America’s foreign policy.” This policy allows the Department to deny visas to those responsible for race-based discrimination and deny them entry into the United States. The action aligns with the Trump Administration's commitment to prioritizing American values and security, while holding foreign actors accountable for undermining fundamental rights. Celebrating the Legacy of George Kennan The State Department released a new video celebrating the life and accomplishments of diplomat George Kennan.  Kennan was an American diplomat and expert on the Soviet Union. Stationed in Moscow in the 1940s, Kennan wrote an 8,000-word telegram laying out the idea of containment: that the United States should check Soviet expansion around the globe.  This analysis became the North Star of American diplomacy for over 40 years. His contributions paved the way for the triumph of the free world. We honor his enduring legacy and the profound impact of his service to the United States.  The video on Kennan’s work is part of the State Department’s History of Diplomacy series. News You May Have Missed We released a joint statement of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s forced labor programs.  The United States welcomed Djibouti’s signing of the Artemis Accords. Djibouti is the 72nd country to sign the accords.  New U.S. sanctions against VTB Bank for aiding evasion of Iran’s sanctions build on the United States’ efforts to isolate the Iranian regime.  Vietnam is the latest country to partner with the United States under the America First Global Health Strategy. We provided additional support to Nepal following devastating flooding. The State Department has now provided over $5 million in humanitarian, health, and forensics-related assistance. Note to Our Readers We welcome feedback at EmailTeam@state.gov  Was this forwarded to you? Subscribe to The Week at State for weekly updates on important work, activities, and news straight from the State Department. Useful links Travel advisories and updates for U.S. Citizens Did you know that you can invite a State Department official to speak at your school, business, or organization? Learn about what we do through the firsthand experience of one of our representatives.  Read More at State.gov This email was sent to politikimx@gmail.com using Granicus Communications Cloud on behalf of: U.S. Department of State · 2201 C Street NW · Washington, DC 20520