SPECIAL BRIEFING OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON VIA TELECONFERENCE JULY 24, 2021   MODERATOR:  Hello, everyone.  We are here today to discuss the Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman’s travel to the People’s Republic of China or the PRC on July 25th through 26th, following her stops in Tokyo, Seoul, and Ulaanbaatar.  Today’s briefers are [Senior Administration Official One] and …

Nearly 250 years ago, heroes of our Revolution signed the Declaration of Independence, offering a bold enumeration of inalienable rights endowed to us by our Creator. In time, with independence secured from a tyrannical monarchy, our Nation etched these principles of liberty and equality into the law of our fledgling Nation when we ratified our …

December 8, 2020 Beijing- As a follow-up to information that was delivered by the Department of State to the PRC Embassy in Washington a day earlier,  Chargé d’Affaires Robert Forden met with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang on December 8 to express the United States’ deep concerns over the Law of the People’s Republic …

Religious freedom is an unalienable right, and the bedrock upon which free societies are built and flourish.

12/04/2020 01:20 PM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has long sought to spread Marxist-Leninist ideology and exert its influence all over the world. The CCP’s United Front Work Department funds and supports overseas organizations to spread propaganda and coerces and bullies those who would oppose Beijing’s policies. The …

Today, the Department of State terminated five programs, disguised as “cultural exchanges,” with the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong-based officials continue to dismantle the promised autonomy and freedoms of Hong Kong through politically motivated arrests.

Release & Contact Info Press Release Release No. 0431.20 Contact: USDA Press Email:  press@oc.usda.gov Washington, DC – The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today issued a report highlighting the progress made to date in implementing the agricultural provisions in the U.S.-China Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement, which is …

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO October 27, 2020 International Religious Freedom Day Twenty-two years ago today, the United States enacted the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act, reaffirming our commitment to promote and defend the fundamental right to religious freedom for all people everywhere.  Born of the vision of America’s founders, our government understood that …

On the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, we honor and support victims and survivors throughout the world. We observe this day on the anniversary of the date on which the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment came into effect; 166 countries including the United States …

For Immediate Release  STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO June 24, 2020 The Tide is Turning Toward Trusted 5G Vendors The tide is turning against Huawei as citizens around the world are waking up to the danger of the Chinese Communist Party’s surveillance state. Huawei’s deals with telecommunications operators around the world are evaporating, because …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO June 24, 2020 Empty Promises from the People’s Republic China in Africa The American people continue to stand with our partners across Africa in confronting the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.  We’ve invested more than $100 billion …

FACT SHEET June 11, 2020 U.S. Diplomatic Leadership in Support of Women, Peace, and Security For decades, American diplomats have supported women as leaders in efforts to prevent conflict, counter terrorism and violent extremism, and promote security around the world.  In 2017, the United States became the first government in the world to enact comprehensive …

State Department Releases Women, Peace, and Security Implementation Plan 06/11/2020 12:52 PM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State The United States is leading by example in women’s empowerment on the global stage. Today the Department of State released its  Plan to Implement the U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security .  The Strategy focuses on supporting women leaders around the world who make contributions to global security, including by ensuring the Department and its …

For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO June 8, 2020 United States Designates Key Iranian Shipping Entities under Proliferation Authority as Tehran Continues to Expand Proliferation Sensitive Activities Today, sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and its Shanghai-based subsidiary, E-Sail Shipping Company Ltd (E-Sail) have come into effect. Six …

STATEMENT BY MORGAN ORTAGUS, SPOKESPERSON June 3, 2020 31st Anniversary of Tiananmen Square Today we honor the brave Chinese people whose peaceful calls for democracy, human rights, and a corruption-free society came to a violent end when the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) sent the People’s Liberation Army into Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989, armed with tanks and guns. …

For Immediate Release  STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO May 27, 2020 Keeping the World Safe from Iran’s Nuclear Program Today, I am announcing the end of the sanctions waiver covering all remaining JCPOA-originating nuclear projects in Iran – the Arak reactor conversion, the provision of enriched uranium for the Tehran Research Reactor, and the …

May 27, 2020 The Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) is a group of 31 countries deeply committed to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). We believe that the human rights and fundamental freedoms that individuals have offline must also be protected online. We are committed …

For Immediate Release  STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO May 27, 2020 PRC National People’s Congress Proposal on Hong Kong National Security Legislation Last week, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) National People’s Congress announced its intention to unilaterally and arbitrarily impose national security legislation on Hong Kong. Beijing’s disastrous decision is only the latest …

For Immediate Release REMARKS TO THE PRESS Secretary Michael R. Pompeo At a Press Availability Press Briefing Room Washington, D.C. May 20, 2020 SECRETARY POMPEO: Good morning, everyone. This morning, early, I had the chance to drive through Arlington Cemetery, and as we approach Memorial Day Weekend, I want to reflect on the sacrifices of …

 STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO May 20, 2020 Delivering on American Commitments in the COVID-19 Response with Additional Foreign Assistance Months into fighting the COVID-19 pandemic at home and abroad, the United States is continuing to lead the global charge against the pandemic, building on decades of leadership in life-saving health and humanitarian assistance. …

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO May 18, 2020 25th Anniversary of the Panchen Lama’s Disappearance The Department of State has made the promotion and protection of religious freedom a priority, especially in China, where people of all faiths face severe repression and discrimination. As part of that mission, on May 17, we marked the …

Joint Statement on the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War 05/07/2020 11:42 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The following is a joint statement by the U. S. Secretary of State and the Foreign Ministers of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. Begin text: Marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in 2020, we …

05/06/2020 01:24 PM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State Washington, D.C. Press Briefing Room SECRETARY POMPEO:  Good morning, everyone.  It’s been 128 days since Chinese doctor Ai Fen – the director of the Wuhan Central Hospital’s emergency unit – shared information on the internet about a patient with a SARS-like virus.  Her colleague, Dr. …

In 1654, the first Jewish settlers arrived in New Amsterdam, present day New York City, seeking the freedom to practice their faith.  In the centuries since, Jewish Americans have contributed in countless ways to our country’s culture and character.  From the arts and sciences to business and public service, nearly every facet of our society …

ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH, 2020 – – – – – – – BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Throughout our Nation’s history, Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent have made significant contributions to every aspect of our society, from business and politics to literature and the arts.  …

“We are winning, and will win, the war on the Invisible Enemy!”  – President Donald J. Trump In December 2019, the COVID-19 outbreak began in Wuhan, China.  Unfortunately, the Chinese Communist Party delayed informing its citizens and other nations about the virus until it spread widely around the world, threatening Americans at home and abroad.  The Trump Administration, including …

Press Briefing Room Washington, D.C. SECRETARY POMPEO: But as we battle the pandemic, the administration – President Trump wants to make sure we execute our foreign policy mission.  We are very focused on that even when the virus challenge confronts us all.  That’s what I’ll spend my time talking to you about today. … We …

Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State Washington, D.C. Press Briefing Room SECRETARY POMPEO: I want to lead off with three commemorations. First, we remember those slain in terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. That was one year ago yesterday. Second, this week the administration honors the annual Holocaust Days of Remembrance. This is …

The United States and ASEAN are Partnering to Defeat COVID-19, Build Long-Term Resilience, and Support Economic Recovery 04/22/2020 11:31 PM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are enduring strategic partners as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and plan for economic recovery. We commit to continue our collaboration with ASEAN to beat this pandemic and get back to the business of building …

For Immediate Release  STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO April 22, 2020 The United States Continues Leadership in the Global COVID-19 Response with More Than $270 Million in Additional U.S. Foreign Assistance For more than a half century, the United States has been the largest contributor to global health security and humanitarian assistance.  Through the …

Since 1970, Earth Day has provided an opportunity for all Americans to come together to celebrate the majestic natural beauty of our Nation and the world.  The United States is blessed with breathtaking and plentiful natural wonders and resources, providing recreation and sustenance to millions throughout our country.  On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC April 20, 2020 The United States calls on the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to allow human rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang’s freedom of movement, including the ability to join his family in Beijing, now that he has been released after five years of unjust detention. …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 15, 2020 PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP IS DEMANDING ACCOUNTABILITY FROM THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION “I will never hesitate to take any necessary steps to protect the lives, health, and safety of the American people.  I will always put the well-being of America first.” – President Donald J. Trump ACCOUNTABILITY FOR AMERICAN …

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo’s Call with Chinese Politburo Member Yang Jiechi 04/15/2020 12:59 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The following is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Yang Jiechi, Director of the Office of Foreign Affairs of the Communist Party of China.  The Secretary stressed the need for full transparency and information sharing to combat the COVID-19 …

James S. Brady Press Briefing Room SECRETARY POMPEO:  Thank you, Mr. President. Under the President’s leadership, my team and I at the State Department are doing our part to protect the American people from the virus and, importantly, to get them home. As you know, when many countries shut down their rail lines, their buses, …

For Immediate Release  STATEMENT BY MORGAN ORTAGUS, SPOKESPERSON April 6, 2020 PRC’s Reported Sinking of a Vietnamese Fishing Vessel in the South China Sea We are seriously concerned by reports of the PRC’s sinking of a Vietnamese fishing vessel in the vicinity of the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. This incident is the latest …

Office of the Spokesperson As the leader in the global health and humanitarian response to COVID-19, the United States has acted swiftly to support our ASEAN partners in combating the COVID-19 virus. Since the outbreak began, the U.S. government has provided approximately $18.3 million in emergency health and humanitarian assistance to ASEAN Member States.  Globally, as …

For Immediate Release  REMARKS Secretary Michael R. Pompeo Remarks to the Press  March 31, 2020 Press Briefing Room Washington, D.C.  SECRETARY POMPEO: Now turning to the State Department’s truly heroic efforts to repatriate Americans.  It was Superbowl Sunday, February 2nd, when we all still had live sports on TV.  Our team was working that day to …

FACT SHEET March 31, 2020 The U.S. Role in International Organizations’ Response to COVID-19 “Whenever you see high quality, effective COVID-19 aid being delivered around the world by UN humanitarian and relief agencies, what you are seeing is the generosity of the American people and those who share our humanitarian values.  We are by far …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 10, 2019Statement By U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on Section 301 ActionWashington, DC – U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer today released the following statement regarding additional action under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974:“Earlier today, at the direction of the President, the United States increased the level of tariffs from …