MIKE PENCE/SINGAPORE/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “President Donald Trump will skip summits with Asian leaders in Singapore and Papua New Guinea in November, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place, the White House said on Friday [8-31-18], an announcement that will raise questions about his commitment to a regional strategy to counter China. Trump was invited to attend the U.S.-Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit and the East Asia summit in Singapore and also the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Papua New Guinea. He had attended these events last November. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Trump asked Pence to represent him at the summits, where he will ‘highlight the United States’ vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, based on respect for sovereignty, the rule of law, and the principles of free, fair and reciprocal trade.’ Trump will travel to Paris to attend a Nov. 11 commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War One. Trump had wanted a U.S. military parade in Washington but balked at price estimates.”
–Steve Holland, David Brunnstrom, “Trump to skip summits in Singapore, Papua New Guinea; Pence to attend,” Reuters, Augsut 31, 2018 1:09 pm