WASHINGTON, Jan 15 (Alliance News): Outgoing President Joe Biden sought to underscore his foreign policy accomplishments on Monday, declaring that US adversaries are weaker and global alliances stronger compared to when he took office four years ago.
Speaking to diplomats at the State Department in his final foreign policy address, Biden proclaimed the United States as the leader in a new era of global economics and technology.
“The United States is winning the worldwide competition compared to four years ago,” Biden said, receiving a standing ovation from staff.
He emphasized America’s revitalized alliances, particularly within NATO, and targeted Russia, China, and Iran in outlining his international legacy.
Reflecting on his administration’s support for Ukraine, Biden called for sustained Western backing against Russian aggression.
“When Putin invaded, he thought he’d conquer Kyiv in days. Since then, I’ve stood in the center of Kyiv, not him,” Biden remarked, referencing his historic 2023 visit to the war-torn capital.
Turning to US-China relations, Biden dismissed concerns over Beijing surpassing Washington. “According to the latest predictions, on China’s current course, they will never surpass us — period,” he affirmed, adding that US-China ties under his leadership avoided tipping into direct conflict.
Addressing criticism of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Biden defended the decision as the “right thing to do” despite its chaotic aftermath, asserting history would validate the move.
The 82-year-old president also urged the incoming administration to continue addressing climate change, rebuffing skeptics as “dead wrong” and out of touch with the challenges of the modern world.
Biden’s address serves as a prelude to his farewell to the nation, scheduled for primetime on Wednesday.