In his final address from the State Department, President Biden summarized his administration's foreign policy achievements and outlined challenges for the incoming Trump administration. He emphasized leaving a "strong hand to play," highlighting key areas of focus during his term.

Addressing the Afghanistan withdrawal, a controversial decision, Biden defended his actions, stating he was the "first president in decades who's not leaving a war in Afghanistan to his successor." He argued the withdrawal allowed the U.S. to concentrate on other pressing global issues, including competition with Russia and China.

A memorial honoring the 13 service members killed during the Afghanistan withdrawal.

Biden urged continued support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, emphasizing its global implications, particularly in Asia. He also highlighted investments in the U.S. defense industrial base, exceeding any Cold War-era spending, as a deterrent against future conflicts.

The president touted his administration's efforts to counter China's economic and technological ambitions, claiming to have altered projections that previously predicted China surpassing the U.S. economically. However, he expressed concern about the incoming administration's stance on climate change, labeling it an "existential threat" and warning of China's attempts to dominate the clean energy sector.

President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit.

Biden also stressed the importance of continued development in artificial intelligence and addressing threats posed by the Houthis in Yemen and North Korea, particularly as Iran, Russia, and China strengthen their alliances.

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin during a meeting.

President Biden delivering his final address at the State Department.

Biden defending the Afghanistan withdrawal in a previous speech.