Biden says America, allies stronger, adversaries weaker in foreign policy speech

WASHINGTON

Outgoing President Joe Biden said that the US, its alliances, and its global standing are significantly stronger compared to four years ago, while its adversaries are weaker, during a foreign policy speech.

"In my view, thanks to our administration, the United States is winning the worldwide competition compared to four years ago. America is stronger. Our alliances are stronger, our adversaries and competitors are weaker," Biden said in his speech at the State Department, reflecting on his foreign policy legacy. "We have not gone to war to make these things happen."

Highlighting the US alliances, particularly within NATO, Biden said NATO is "more capable" than it has ever been, adding that many more allies are paying their "fair share."

"Before I took office, nine NATO allies are spending 2% of the GDP on defense. Now, 23 are spending 2%," he said.

Biden also pointed to the strengthening of partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, aimed at countering China’s actions and rebalancing power in the region.

"We’re in a better strategic position in the long-term competition with China," he remarked.

Legacy on Middle East

Biden celebrated the US' coordinated efforts with more than 20 countries to protect ships from attacks by the Houthi in the Red Sea.

He added that Iran is "weaker" than it has been in decades, recalling the US' efforts to organize a coalition of countries to "come to defense of Israel" in the face of ballistic missiles attacks from Tehran in retaliation for Israel's assassination of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.

"Now Iran's air defenses are in shambles. The main proxy, Hezbollah, is badly wounded," he added.

"Iran is weaker than has been in decades, and you want more evidence of a seriously weakened Iran of Russia to take a look at Syria, President Assad was both countries closest ally in the Middle East. Neither could keep him in power," the president said.

On Gaza, he said that a cease-fire proposal for Gaza he outlined in May is nearing "fruition".

"So many innocent people have been killed, so many communities have been destroyed. Palestinian people deserve peace and the right to determine their own futures. Israel deserves peace and real security, and the hostages of their families deserve to be reunited," he added.

Biden underscored that, for the first time in decades, he will not be passing a war in Afghanistan to his successor, after achieving the primary objective of dismantling al-Qaeda.

- Ukraine

Biden also reflected on US support for Ukraine, stating, "We helped Ukrainians stop Putin, and now, nearly three years later, Putin has failed to achieve any of his strategic objectives."

The president also addressed his policies on economy and infrastructure. "Our economy is booming," he said, "Our technology, from artificial intelligence to biotech, quantum, and advanced semiconductors, are the envy of the world."

Biden also pointed to significant infrastructure investments, claiming that the US has made the most substantial investments in American workers and manufacturing since the New Deal.