Full Statement of the U.S. Secretary of State Nominee on Global Issues

Rex Tillerson, the nominee for U.S. Secretary of State by Donald Trump, appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday, January 11, and answered questions from American senators. Mr. Tillerson, 64, who previously served as CEO of the giant oil company ExxonMobil, read a statement at the beginning of the session that contained his views on major global issues, including Iran. Full translation of his statement is as follows. Rex Tillerson: I am honored to have the support of Senator Cornyn and Senator Cruz from my home state of Texas. Additionally, I thank Senator Nunn for his commitment to non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and Robert Gates for his service to eight presidents and his leadership as the chairman of the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Chairman, Senator Corker, and members of the committee, it is a privilege to appear before you today as the nominee of the President-elect for the position of Secretary of State, seeking your confirmation and that of all members of the Senate. First, I would like to introduce my family members who are here today. They are the most important people in my life, and I want to express my gratitude for their love and support over the years. First, my wife, Renda, with whom I have lived for over thirty years and who has always managed our family affairs during my numerous travels abroad. My sister, Jo Lynn Peters, who has been a high school teacher her entire life in Texas and Alabama. My younger sister, Dr. Rhiann Hamilton, a family physician in Texas, and my brother-in-law, Lee Hamilton, a state judge in Texas. I am grateful and honored that they are here with me today. Today, I am here at a pivotal moment for our nation and the world. We must not ignore violations of international treaties, such as what happened with Iran. We cannot continue to accept empty promises, like China's promises to pressure the North Korean government to reform, and then shirk from applying pressure to enforce these commitments. Wherever we look, people and nations are deeply concerned. Old ideas and international norms that were once well understood and governed the behavior of all may not be effective in our time. In this changing environment, we face numerous dangers. China has become an economic power in international trade, and our relationship with it has been both friendly and hostile. Russia, seeking respect and relevance on the global stage, has disregarded U.S. interests in its recent actions. Radical Islam is not a new worldview but is filled with hatred, deadly, and an illegitimate interpretation of Islam. Enemy governments like Iran and North Korea pose serious threats to the world due to their defiance of international norms. In response to these realities, what should America do? My answer is simple. To achieve stability, which is crucial for peace and security in the 21st century, America's leadership role in the world must not only be updated but must also be exercised. We have many strengths to rely on. Our alliances are enduring, and our allies expect America's leadership role to be revived. Our armed forces are the best fighting forces, and we possess the largest economy in the world. Because of our history of benevolence and providing hope to our citizens, America remains the first choice for immigration for people around the world. Our global role has historically included moral leadership. In international relations, America's goodwill towards the world is unparalleled. We must continue our commitment to individual freedoms, human dignity, and ethical conduct in our foreign policy. In summary, we are the only global superpower that possesses the tools and moral standards to improve the world. If we do not lead, we will face the risk of the world descending further into chaos and danger. However, we have slipped. In recent decades, we have created doubts about America's leadership role. At times, we have retreated from the global stage. In other instances, we have intervened in good faith but failed to achieve the stability and security we sought. Instead, we have created a series of unintended consequences and a vacuum of instability. Today, our friends still want to help us but do not know how. Meanwhile, our enemies have become bolder in exploiting this absence of American leadership. Abraham Lincoln said, America is 'the last best hope of earth.' If we want to continue to be a beacon and defender of freedom and humanity, our moral standards must never dim. Supporting human rights in our foreign policy is a key element in demonstrating our values to the world. Donald Trump, the President-elect, made a bold commitment during his campaign to advance America's interests in foreign policy. I hope to explain this vision and show how, if confirmed as Secretary of State, I will implement this policy. The American people welcome this direction for placing greater emphasis on the security, freedom, and prosperity of America. However, this new leadership role will be incomplete without accountability. If we are not accountable ourselves, we cannot truly expect it from friends and foes. We must hold ourselves accountable for our commitments to others. This is vital for assisting allies and friends, achieving goals, and ensuring the security of an America that can be trusted in good faith. We must ask our allies to fulfill their commitments. We cannot overlook the failure of allies to meet their commitments; this is not only an injustice to us but also an injustice to other allies who honor their promises and strengthen our national security. We must compel countries that are not our friends to adhere to the agreements they accept. Inability to do so in recent decades has weakened our position and encouraged bad actors around the world to violate their commitments. We must not ignore violations of international treaties, such as what happened with Iran. We cannot continue to accept empty promises, like China's promises to pressure the North Korean government to reform, and then shirk from applying pressure to enforce these commitments. In a climate where trust has eroded, ignoring only encourages negative behavior, and this must end. If we are not honest in our agreements, we will not be held accountable. Some of you are aware of my long involvement with the Boy Scouts of America. One of our fundamental tenets is honesty. In fact, the Boy Scout oath begins with the phrase 'On my honor,' and this should be the foundation of our foreign policy. Specifically, we must be honest about radical Islam. The increasing concerns of our citizens regarding radical Islam and their criminal actions against Americans and our friends are well-founded. Radical Islam poses a significant threat to the stability of countries and the lives of their citizens. The power of digital media today allows groups like the 'Islamic State,' Al-Qaeda, and other terrorist organizations to promote their toxic worldview, which is in stark contrast to the values of the American people and all people around the world who value human life. These groups are often supported and bolstered by countries, organizations, and individuals who align with their goals. We must confront these actors for aiding and abetting groups that can only be described as evil. The most urgent action in combating radical Islam is to defeat the 'Islamic State.' There are numerous challenges in the Middle East and surrounding areas that require our attention, including Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In this region, there are different and sometimes conflicting priorities that must be addressed, but we must not allow our focus to be diverted from our primary priority of defeating the 'Islamic State.' Defeating the 'Islamic State' must be our top priority in the Middle East. Destroying the 'Islamic State' is the first step in weakening the capabilities of other groups and individuals whose aim is to attack our homeland and the countries of our allies. The destruction of the 'Islamic State' will also allow us to focus on other radical Islamic forces such as Al-Qaeda, the Muslim Brotherhood, and specific currents in Iran. However, defeating this group will not only occur on the battlefield; we must also win the battle of ideas. If my nomination is confirmed, I assure you that the State Department will, in its own way, support Muslims around the world who oppose radical Islam in all its forms. At the same time, we must accept the realities regarding China. China's island-building in the South China Sea is an illegal seizure of disputed lands without regard for international norms. China's trade and economic practices have also, in some instances, not adhered to its commitments to international treaties. China steals our knowledge and intellectual property and behaves aggressively and expansionistically in the cyber realm. It has not been a reliable partner for us in using its influence to rein in North Korea. China has proven that it will use all its capabilities to pursue its goals, and in some cases, this has been at odds with U.S. interests. We must deal with what is happening in practice, not what we wish for. However, we should not overlook the positive aspects of our relationship with China. The economic prosperity of both countries is deeply intertwined. In the fight against radical Islam, China has been a valuable ally. We must not allow our disagreements in other areas to overshadow our positive cooperation with China. Regarding relations with Russia, we must also have a clear and accurate understanding. Russia today is a threat to us, but it is not unpredictable in pursuing its goals. It has invaded Ukraine, annexed Crimea, and supported Syrian government forces that ruthlessly violate the laws of war. Our NATO allies are rightly concerned about Russia's rise. However, in the absence of American leadership, these doors were opened, and although unintentionally, incorrect messages were sent to that country. We have retreated from the commitments we made to our allies. We sent weak or muddled messages regarding 'red lines' that later turned into 'green lights.' We did not realize that Russia does not think like us. The tumultuous and sometimes tense history of the two countries does not speak only in words. We need an open and frank dialogue about Russia's ambitions and goals so that we can adjust our course accordingly. In areas where cooperation with Russia is possible, including in combating international terrorism, we should explore these options. In areas where serious disagreements exist, we must remain steadfast in defending the interests of the United States and our allies. Russia must know that we will be accountable for our commitments and those of our allies, and in return, Russia must also be accountable for its actions. Our approach to human rights must start with the principle that America's leadership role in the moral realm must also be transparent. We do not have the option of 'this or that' in defending human rights globally. In the realm of human rights and humanitarian assistance, our values are indeed our interests. It is, of course, unreasonable to expect that every action in foreign policy will be based solely on respect for human rights, especially in cases where the safety of the American people is at stake. But America's leadership requires specific actions focused on improving conditions for people around the world, and when appropriate, we must use economic assistance and sanctions as tools of foreign policy. We must remain faithful to the standards of accountability. The restoration of our relationship with Cuba did not include a retreat by that government on human rights. We did not ask the Cuban government to be accountable for its actions. Cuban leaders received many concessions, but in return, the people of that country received few concessions. This is neither in the interest of Cuba nor beneficial to America. Abraham Lincoln said, America is 'the last best hope of earth.' If we want to continue to be a beacon and defender of freedom and humanity, our moral standards must never dim. Supporting human rights in our foreign policy is a key element in demonstrating our values to the world. In conclusion, we must take pride in the ideas that define our identity and the freedoms we have earned at great cost. The genius, ideas, and culture of previous generations have made America the greatest nation in history. And this has required sacrifice. We must never forget that we are the heirs of those who have made great sacrifices, some of whom have given everything in this cause. These include fallen military personnel, State Department employees, and other government officials who have...