Gary Bauer on Foreign Policy 2000 Republican Primary Candidate for President

Sub-sections under Foreign Policy:
• China
• Other issues under Foreign Policy

Be tough on Syria, on China, and on others

BAUER: Of course I will, but I just think you’ve got blinders on. You know, the threat to America is not Syria. I will be very tough on Syria about their transfer of weapons, of supporting terrorists. But I’ll do that to China, too. You know, that’s the big challenge for America. I’m going to be tough on American foreign policy. Not just against Syria, but also against the Chinese in Beijing.

Africa: Needs better governments, not bailouts

Panama Canal: Keep US in; keep China Out

BUSH: In 1978 I opposed the Panama Canal Treaty. Now, our country has signed the treaty. I believe we ought to honor the treaty. But when I’m the president, if I find in any way, shape or form the canal is closed to world interests, I will do whatever it takes to keep the canal open. It is in our national strategic interests to have a peaceful hemisphere in which trade can flow freely. And I’ll liberate the canal if I have to.

BAUER: Do you see a threat from China in the canal?

BUSH. We’ll just wait & see.

Abolish the IMF

Focus on human rights; against China; & support of Israel.

• Restore support for human rights, including freedom of worship, as a central goal of foreign policy.
• Deploy theater missile defenses to protect US soldiers and allies, including Taiwan.
• End China’s MFN status.
• Continue support for Israel as a cornerstone of US policy in the Middle East.

America should advance & protect freedom worldwide

End of Cold War does not end US involvement abroad

The verdict is in: sanction China

FORBES: We must let the Chinese know what the rules of engagement are. On human rights abuses: We will criticize them. In terms of trade, it has to be two-way.. If they don’t adhere to those rules, then you take the appropriate steps including taking trade sanctions.

BAUER: Will you repeal MFN status for China or not?

FORBES: If China violates those rules of engagement, then trade is going to be on the table including MFN. But you must first lay out what those rules are. If they want a relationship with us, here’s how you can have it. If not, they can have that confrontation and we’ll win against them just as we did against other tyrants.

BAUER: You’re ignoring 10 years of history. The verdict’s already in.

Shame on those who sent tech to Chinese military

Stop allowing China to play us for suckers

BUSH: I’m glad you brought it up. You’re not for China getting into the WTO. I am. And let me tell you something-the amount of corn that’ll be moved if China gets in the WTO will rise from 250,000 metric tons, to 7.2 million metric tons. Opening up Chinese markets is good for our farmers.

BAUER: Governor Bush, here’s your fallacy: You believe the Chinese government will keep their agreements. They haven’t kept their agreements for 20 years.

BUSH: That’s why we let them in the WTO. That’s part of agreement keeping.

BAUER: That just gives them another agreement to break, Governor.

End appeasement based on corporate bottom line

Cox Report marks failure to protect our nation

Moral obligation to speak out for Chinese Christians

Role in the world: military strength and moral clarity.

American foreign policy is adrift. Conservatives have criticized the incoherent policies of the Clinton Administration. They have also resisted isolationist impulses from within their own ranks. But conservatives have not confidently advanced a strategi