On Monday, January 13th, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden delivered a speech at the State Department, outlining his foreign policy achievements. He emphasized that despite global crises being unresolved, America’s adversaries are weaker now than when he took office four years ago.
President Biden stated, “Compared to four years ago, America is stronger, our alliances are stronger, and our adversaries and competitors are weaker… While the U.S. did not directly engage in war, the strength of Russia and Iran has been diminished in conflicts.”
He added, “Overall, Iran is weaker than it has been in decades.”
President Biden highlighted his administration’s assistance to Ukraine in countering Russia’s invasion since 2022, as well as supporting Israel in conflicts in the Middle East. Former President Trump had suggested that under his administration, neither of these wars would have erupted.
Biden also mentioned that it was his administration’s help that enabled Israel to defeat adversaries like Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both supported by Iran.
White House officials are hopeful that before Biden leaves office on January 20th, an agreement can be reached between Israel and the Palestinian radical group Hamas.
Biden commended his administration’s support for Israel during two attacks by Iran in 2024. He also pointed out the fall of the Assad government in Syria, stating, “There is no doubt that our actions made a significant contribution.”
Biden believes that the U.S. is winning the global competition.
Regarding China (the CCP), Biden believes that America will not be economically surpassed by China as predicted. He urged his colleagues to embrace the transition to clean energy, or else China will gain a dominant position.
He urged, “America should fully utilize the diplomatic and geopolitical opportunities we have created, continuing to unite countries to collectively address the challenges posed by China (the CCP).”
Biden stated that he has positioned America favorably on the world stage, laying the foundation for America to continue addressing the global ambitions of China and the threats posed by Russian aggression.
Biden also addressed the longest-lasting psychological shadow during his tenure, the major collapse that occurred in August 2021 during the withdrawal from Afghanistan. However, he explained that it was a difficult but necessary decision that freed up American resources to confront threats from China (the CCP) and Russia.
He said that China (the CCP) and Russia would most like to see America remain deeply entrenched in the Afghan quagmire, and that the recent revolution in Syria proves that the withdrawal was successful.
(This article referenced reports from Reuters and “The Hill.”)