China ‘will never surpass us,’ says Biden in farewell address
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks at the State Department in Washington, U.S. on Jan. 13, 2025. (AFP Photo)
In a farewell speech to diplomats on Monday, outgoing President Joe Biden asserted that the United States would remain the world’s dominant superpower and dismissed the notion that China could ever surpass it.
“On China’s current course, they will never surpass us — period,” Biden declared, emphasizing that Washington had “responsibly” managed its complex relationship with Beijing during his presidency, avoiding conflict.
“According to the latest predictions, on China’s current course they will never surpass us — period,” Biden said.
Biden, who leaves office as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, touted America’s strengthened position on the global stage, crediting his administration for rebuilding international alliances after what he described as Trump’s “chaotic” first term.
“The United States is winning the worldwide competition compared to four years ago,” Biden said, adding that America and its alliances are stronger than they’ve been in decades.
Challenges to Russia, China, and Iran
In his speech, Biden also criticized adversaries such as Russia, China, and Iran. He called for continued Western support for Ukraine, highlighting the billions of dollars in military aid provided by the U.S. since the onset of Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Mocking Russian President Vladimir Putin, Biden recalled his own historic visit to Kyiv, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to visit a warzone not under American control.
“When Putin invaded, he thought he’d conquer Kyiv in a matter of days. The truth is, since that war began, I’m the only one that stood in the center of Kyiv, not him,” he stated.
NATO and Trump’s criticism
Biden touted improved relations with NATO allies, claiming they are now “paying their fair share” — a pointed reference to Trump’s frequent criticism of NATO countries and his suggestion that Russia could act freely against non-contributing allies.
Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO countries, at one point saying he would encourage Russia to do “whatever the hell it wants” to allies that did not pay their way.
Cease-fire in Gaza ‘on the brink’
Biden’s speech was more subdued on Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, acknowledging a potential cease-fire and hostage deal was “on the brink” of realization, amid growing criticism from within his own party over U.S. support for Israel.
Defending his decision to end the war in Afghanistan, despite the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Biden said, “Ending the war was the right thing to do. And I believe history will reflect that.”
In a nod to his legacy on climate policy, Biden urged the incoming Trump administration to continue his green energy policies, dismissing climate change deniers as “dead wrong.”
Biden’s foreign policy speech sets the stage for his farewell address to the nation, scheduled for Wednesday evening from the Oval Office.
