Republican Party on Foreign Policy

	Republican Party on Foreign Policy Party Platform

Chinese Communist Party is an enemy of the American people

The harshness of the language used and antagonism shown in the war of words between China and the US over the coronavirus outbreak is reminiscent of the Cold War confrontation in the 1950s and 1960s, when Pacific powers were engaged in war in the Korean peninsula and Vietnam. Indeed, the finger-pointing and name-calling has escalated steadily as the pandemic continues to ravage the world.

US President Donald Trump and his top lieutenant, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, have both publicly floated the dramatic theory that the virus originated from a Chinese lab and indicated Washington was seeking damages from Beijing.

Pompeo called the Chinese Communist Party "the central threat of our times". A 57-page leaked memo from the National Republican Senatorial Committee instructs GOP candidates to classify the Chinese Communist Party as "an enemy" of the American people. The implied message from the playbook suggests that Washington is seeking to overthrow communist rule in China.

Source: South China Morning Post on Trump Administration , May 6, 2020

Transition to a post-Assad Syria and independent Lebanon

Radical elements like Hamas and Hezbollah must be isolated because they do not meet the standards of peace and diplomacy of the international community. We call for the restoration of Lebanon's independence, which those groups have virtually destroyed. We support the transition to a post-Assad Syrian government that is representative of its people, protects the rights of all minorities and religions, respects the territorial integrity of its neighbors, and contributes to peace and stability in the region. We offer a continuing partnership with the people of Iraq, who have endured extremist terror to now have a chance to build their own security and democracy. We urge special efforts to preserve and protect the ethnic and religious diversity of their nation. Source: 2012 Republican Party Platform , Aug 27, 2012

Model foreign aid on Millennium Challenge Corporation

Foreign aid should serve our national interest, an essential part of which is the peaceful development of less advanced and vulnerable societies in critical parts of the world. Assistance should be seen as an alternative means of keeping the peace, far less costly in both dollars and human lives than military engagement. The economic success and political progress of former aid recipients, from Latin America to East Asia, has justified our investment in their future. U.S. aid should be based on the model of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, for which foreign governments must, in effect, compete for the dollars by showing respect for the rule of law, free enterprise, and measurable results. In short, aid money should follow positive outcomes, not pleas for more cash in the same corrupt official pockets. Source: 2012 Republican Party Platform , Aug 27, 2012

Castro regime in Cuba is a state-sponsor of terrorism

We affirm our friendship with the People of Cuba. The anachronistic regime in Havana which rules them is a mummified relic of the age of totalitarianism, a state-sponsor of terrorism. We reject any dynastic succession of power within the Castro family and affirm the principles codified in U.S. law as conditions for the lifting of trade, travel, and financial sanctions: the legalization of political parties, an independent media, and free and fair internationally-supervised elections. We renew our commitment to Cuba's courageous pro-democracy movement as the protagonists of Cuba's inevitable liberation and democratic future. We call for a dedicated platform for the transmission of Radio and TV Marti and for the promotion of Internet access and circumvention technology as tools to strengthen the pro-democracy movement. We support the work of the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba and recognize the rights of Cubans fleeing Communism. Source: 2012 Republican Party Platform , Aug 27, 2012

Nations that support terrorism are just as guilty

Nations that support terrorism are just as dangerous and guilty as the perpetrators of terrorism. Every nation must make a choice to support terror or to support America and our coalition to defeat terror. We are preserving the peace by working with more than 80 allied nations and international institutions, to isolate and confront terrorists and outlaw regimes. We are working with the UN, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and other international organizations to take action in our common security. Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 5 , Sep 7, 2004

A global coalition has broken al Qaeda cells

America and its allies and friends have broken al Qaeda cells here in the US and overseas. A global coalition, led by the US, has dried up sources of terrorist financing. Thousands of very skilled and determined military personnel remain on the manhunt, going after the remaining killers who hide in cities and caves. Today, because of the solidarity of the international coalition in the War on Terror, we are bringing these terrorists to justice, and the American people are safer. Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 6 , Sep 7, 2004

The Pakistan government working with US to fight terror

Today, the governments of the US and Pakistan are working closely in the fight against terror. Pakistan has helped capture Khalid Sheik Mohammed, the operational planner behind the September 11 attacks, and other terrorists. Pakistani forces are rounding up terrorists along their nation’s western border. Today, because we are working with Pakistani leaders, Pakistan is an ally in the War on Terror, and the American people are safer. Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 6 , Sep 7, 2004

Saudi Arabia has joined the War on Terror

Today, after the attacks in Riyadh and elsewhere, the Saudi government knows that al Qaeda is its enemy. Saudi Arabia is working hard to shut down the facilitators and financial supporters of terrorism. The government has captured or killed many first-tier leaders of the al Qaeda organization in Saudi Arabia. Today, because Saudi Arabia has seen the danger and has joined the War on Terror, the American people are safer. Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 7 , Sep 7, 2004

Iraq is now becoming an example of reform

Today, the dictator who caused decades of death and turmoil, who twice invaded his neighbors, who harbored terrorist leaders, who used chemical weapons on innocent men, women, and children, finally stands before the bar of justice. Iraq, which once had the worst government in the Middle East, is now becoming an example of reform to the region. Iraqi security forces are fighting beside coalition troops to defeat the terrorists and foreign fighters who threaten their nation and the world. Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 7 , Sep 7, 2004

Libya’s munitions have been destroyed

Today, thousands of Libya’s chemical munitions have been destroyed. Libya’s nuclear equipment that could ultimately have threatened the lives of hundreds of thousands is stored away in the US. Today, because the Libyan government saw the seriousness of the civilized world, and correctly judged its own interests, the American people are safer. Today, the AQ Khan network is out of business. We have ended one of the most dangerous sources of proliferation in the world, and the American people are safer. Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 8 , Sep 7, 2004

Iraqi government has gained broad international support

Iraqi sovereignty is a tribute to the will of the Iraqi people and the courage of Iraqi leaders. It is a proud moral achievement for members of our coalition. We have full confidence in the plan for Iraqi self-government. That government has gained broad international support, and has been endorsed by the UN Security Council. The US & our coalition partners are helping prepare Iraqis for the defense of their own country, including through the work of the NATO mission to train Iraqi security forces. Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 9 , Sep 7, 2004

Pursue a comprehensive strategy against WMD proliferation

We applaud Bush for pursuing from the beginning a comprehensive strategy through which the United States works with its allies to ensure that international agreements against the proliferation of WMD are observed and enforced; detect, disrupt, and block the spread of dangerous weapons and technology; confront emerging threats from any person or state before those threats have fully materialized; and improve our capabilities to respond to the use of WMD and minimize the consequences of an attack. Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 10 , Sep 7, 2004

Provide new strategies to help poor nations

The global assistance strategies that the US is pursuing to achieve this goal include providing resources through the Millennium Challenge Account to aid countries that have met the challenge of reform; improving the effectiveness of the World Bank and other development banks in raising living standards; insisting upon measurable results to ensure that development assistance is actually making a difference in the lives of the world’s poor; increasing the amount of development assistance that is provided in the form of grants instead of loans; opening societies to commerce and investment; enhancing public health in countries afflicted by epidemics and pandemics like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis; emphasizing education, literacy, and learning as the foundation of democracy and development; and continuing to aid agricultural development. Economic growth supported by free trade and free markets creates new jobs and higher incomes. Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 20 , Sep 7, 2004

Applaud the success in mobilizing international cooperation

We are grateful to the more than 30 nations with forces serving in Iraq, and the nearly 40 nations with forces serving in Afghanistan. In the fight against terror, America has asked our allies to do hard things. They have taken up these responsibilities in a spirit of solidarity that America should never forget. We applaud Bush for his success in mobilizing such international cooperation, which the 9/11 Commission judges to be “on a vastly enlarged scale” and to have expanded dramatically since 9/11. Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 11 , Sep 7, 2004

The Broader Middle East Initiative spreads democracy

Under Bush’s leadership, the US is working with responsible governments and international institutions to convince the leaders of North Korea and Iran that their nuclear weapons ambitions are deeply contrary to their own interests. With allies, America has launched the Broader Middle East Initiative, to encourage reform and democracy throughout the region. Our nation is helping governments fight poverty and disease, so they do not become failed states and future havens for terror. Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 11 , Sep 7, 2004

Objectives of assistance and the strategies must change

Bush helped to forge a new consensus at the UN Conference on Financing for Development in Monterrey that the objectives of assistance - and the strategies to achieve those objectives - must change. Republicans support Bush’s goal to help unleash the productive potential of individuals in all nations. Sustained growth and poverty reduction are impossible without the right national policies. Where governments have implemented real policy changes, we will provide significant new levels of assistance. Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 20 , Sep 7, 2004

Look to Latin American countries as key partners

The president will work with democracies like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. His administration will be guided by the principles of respect for sovereignty, private initiative, multilateral action, free politics and markets, the rule of law, and regard for variety. A commitment to NAFTA can enlarge it into a vision for hemispheric free trade, drawing nations closer in business, common commercial standards, dispute resolution, and education. Source: Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention , Aug 12, 2000

Strengthen ties to Asia and promote democracy there

We will strengthen our alliance with Japan. We will help to deter aggression on the Korean peninsula. We will promote peace in the Taiwan Strait. We will reconstitute our relations with the nations of Southeast Asia. We will obtain the fullest possible accounting for our POW/MIAs from the Pacific wars. And we will promote democracy, open markets, and human rights for the betterment of the people of Asia and the United States. Source: Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention , Aug 12, 2000

NATO has shared responsibility for peacekeeping

A strong NATO is the foundation of peace. The U.S. needs its European allies to help with key regional security problems as they arise, since America also has global responsibilities. The U.S. should promote friendship not only between the United States and Russia, but also between Russia and its neighbors. With Russia, the U.S. needs patience, consistency, and a principled reliance on democratic forces. Russia must stop encouraging the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Source: Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention , Aug 12, 2000

Help Africa with private sector and charitable investment

Millions live in poverty and suffer from diseases. Africa needs economic opportunity, foreign investment, and access to markets, food, and medicine. The United States will support international organizations and non- governmental organizations that can improve the lives of Africans. Source: Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention , Aug 12, 2000

Reform U.N. to end abuse, unfairness, and abortion funding

American troops must never serve under United Nations command. The United States will pay a fair, not disproportionate, share of dues. The Republican administration will put an end to discrimination in denying committee assignments to Israel. Any effort to address global social problems must be firmly placed into a context of respect for the fundamental social institutions of marriage and family. We will not fund organizations involved in abortion. Source: Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention , Aug 12, 2000

Will not allow China to attack Taiwan

China is not a free society. We support China’s accession into the WTO, but this will not be a substitute for our pursuit of improved human rights and an end to proliferation of dangerous technologies. A Republican president will honor our promises to the people of Taiwan. America has acknowledged the view that there is one China. Our policy is based on the principle that there must be no use of force by China against Taiwan. If China attacks Taiwan, America will help Taiwan defend itself. Source: Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention , Aug 12, 2000

Restore American influence instead of "leading from behind".

Party signed restoring American influence instead of "leading from behind"

Our enemies no longer fear us and our allies no longer trust us. We must do whatever is necessary to protect our homeland from terror, and we must take the fight to the enemy. Instead of making it up along the way, we set out a clear strategy to defeat ISIS. Instead of ignoring our traditional allies, we renew our ties with them, and we do so in a way that serves our mutual interests. Instead of leading from behind, we act as a force for liberty and free enterprise around the world. And instead of fighting with yesterday's tools, we make sure our men and women have what they need to tackle the threats of our time and beyond. A confident America does not threaten the peace. A confident America keeps the peace, and keeps its people safe and free.

Our Ideas

Protect the Homeland. We must keep terrorists out of America, secure our borders, and stop cyberattacks.
Defeat the Terrorists. We must make it our top national security priority to prevail in the war against radical Islamic extremism.
Tackle New Threats. We must make sure our country is ready to tackle the threats of our time and beyond.
Defend Freedom. We must restore American influence, advance free enterprise, and expand the community of free nations.

Our plan includes ideas to:

Restore American influence: The Obama administration's policy of "leading from behind" and its philosophy of "strategic patience" have eroded our influence and the trust of our allies. We should restore our influence by tackling emerging threats before they metastasize, and insisting that our allies carry their share of the burden.
Expand the community of free societies: The defense of liberty at home depends on its success abroad. We should hold tyrannical regimes accountable, work to assist countries with peaceful democratic transitions, and promote freedom and human rights.

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