On the Campaign Trail:
The eight-term Congressman from Youngstown Ohio is running for president on a platform of “rebuilding America.” He serves on the Defense Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. He has not yet said much about issues of war and peace beyond portraying China a s threat to American prosperity.
On China: ‘They’re Cleaning Our Clock’
“And then behind Russia is China with their long term economic plan. Right, we’re not doing electric vehicles, we’re not doing solar, we don’t have a big national agenda … and China’s sitting their going ‘this is unbelievable. We’re buying long-term contracts in Africa for raw materials … and the Americans are fighting with each other over what, a wall?’ And they’re coming to clean our [clock], I mean they’re cleaning our clock now.”
Vindy Exclusive – Tim Ryan – Thoughts on Russia and China
“But at the end of the day, we’ve got to out-compete [China].”
Ryan: Working class needs someone to represent them — MSNBC
[Hugh Hewitt]: All right, last question on this. I don’t think of China as a friend, and I don’t think of them as a near-peer competitor. I think of them as a peer competitor that has not taken military action off the table, nor will they ever. Do you agree with my assessment, Tim Ryan?
[Tim Ryan]: I sure do. I sure do.
Rep. Tim Ryan: China Is Coming At Us; They Have Detailed, Long-Term Programs — RealClear Politics
China’s continued terrible treatment of ethnic Uighurs and their slow, methodical campaign of vilification of Hong Kong protesters should be seen as continued attacks on the concepts of multiculturalism and the rule of law. Throughout my career I have been sounding the alarm about an ascendant China that isn’t committed to democracy, international norms and now, after two decades of the greatest transfer of wealth in the history of the world, seems intent on flexing its muscle politically and militarily. As President, I would increase our human rights pressure on China, especially in these two areas.
Council on Foreign Relations interview
On Russia: ‘Our Democracy Was Attacked’
‘Russia has shown that they must be contained and we will use every diplomatic tool available to us in order to prevent Russian aggression in the Ukraine and other Eastern European countries. The most successful counter to Russian hybrid war in Ukraine would be to continue to work with our Ukrainian partners to build a strong democracy and steadfast adherence to the rule of law and anti-corruption. We must also work with our European allies to ensure a credible threat of harsh sanctions against any new Russian aggression.’
Council on Foreign Relations interview
“There is no doubt that Russia set out to, and succeeded at, meddling in our democratic process. Today’s new indictments illustrate that with startling clarity. While our President still refuses to acknowledge the seriousness of the threat we’re facing, our intelligence community and the ongoing work of Special Counsel Mueller have confirmed that – far from a hoax – our democracy itself was attacked.”
Congressman Tim Ryan Statement on Special Counsel Mueller’s Indictments Regarding Russian Interference in American Elections — Press Release
On Iran: ‘We Have to Have A Firmer Position’
Ryan supported President Obama’s multinational Iran nuclear deal in 2015. In 2018 He condemned Trump’s decision to withdraw from it.
In September 2017 Ryan said Wednesday that he agreed with President Trump’s calls for the U.S. to take a firmer stance on Iran.
“I think what he said about Iran is true. I think we have to have a firmer position on Iran. They are funding terrorism all through the Middle East so I liked that aspect of the speech, but overall you’ve got to do this all together,” Mr. Ryan, Ohio Democrat, said on MSNBC.
On Israel and a Two-State Solution:
‘Yes. There is no moral solution to this dispute that does not involve sovereign territory for both peoples.
Council on Foreign Relations interview
First, we must build trust between the parties and that starts with recognition that Israel’s right to exist must be conceded by the Palestinians. The Israelis must then address numerous aspects of its security which have made it harder for Palestinian families to have an upwardly mobile economy. Once trust begins to be rebuilt, then and ONLY then can both sides begin the process of talking.
The current administration’s blatantly one-sided policy has pushed away the Palestinian’s and hardened Israel’s resolve to take a tough stand. One of my first priorities would be to regain the trust of the Palestinians and work to bring them back into the peace process.’
On Syria: Supported Trump’s Strikes
The most recent military strike against Syria sends another message that our nation and our allies will not stand by while international law is broken by the use of chemical weapons against innocent men, women, and children. After yet another unforgivable attack by Assad against his own people, it is clear that Russia and Iran share responsibility for these crimes against humanity by continuing military support for the Assad regime. It is fitting that the President’s recent comments finally seem to admit that.
Congressman Tim Ryan Statement on U.S. Airstrikes in Syria — Press Release
On Migration: ‘Set The Phone Down and Get to Work’
“[Trump] has failed to address the issues in Central America. Quite frankly the president is lazy. He doesn’t read his presidential daily briefing. … Central America is a mess and we are doing nothing to stabilize that region. There’s not even an ambassador in Honduras. Look at Venezuela, too. There’s not even an ambassador there. This president needs to set the phone down and start rolling up his sleeves and getting to work.
Rep. Tim Ryan: ‘Quite frankly, the president is lazy’ — MSN
On North Korea: Trump Reckless and Shortsighted
Absolutely not. Without preconditions for meeting, Trump has given Kim Jung Un’s dictatorship unprecedented, international legitimacy. The international and humanitarian crimes committed by the North Korean government are well documented and cannot be ignored. I believe meeting with and negotiating an end to North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, is an inevitable and essential prerequisite for peace in the region, but such meetings must be taken in a calculated, methodical way.
Council on Foreign Relations interview
“The President’s handling of North Korea since assuming office has been reckless and shortsighted. His approach has been defined by childish remarks and knee-jerk reactions with no clear strategic goals to guide him. United States policy should be thoughtful, consistent, and effective. Foreign policy is not a game, and is not something to conducted by Twitter. Our allies need to know they can count on us to lead. Laying out a clear strategy for North Korea in the spirit of this letter is vital to assuring the world that America is leading with a steady hand.”
Congressman Tim Ryan Urges President Trump to Adopt Stronger and Smarter North Korea Policy — Press Release.
On Venezuela:
The United States, along with its allies, must use its diplomatic powers to pressure President Maduro to relinquish his power in Venezuela. We should continue to use robust economic sanctions against Maduro and his supporters to weaken his position. At the same time, we need to remain vigilant in our strong support to the Guaido Government. Additionally, we must work with international and regional partners to build a strong economic plan and protect the region from further fiscal depression. A multi-government, non-military, coalition is essential to building trust and compassion with the people of Venezuela, the US can lead the coalition but we must not operate independently. Lastly, I oppose any military action against Venezuela. In a region with a history of U.S. military incursions, the United States would be hard-pressed to gain allies if it took such unilateral steps.
Council on Foreign Relations interview
