Much of President Biden’s State of the Union address Tuesday night focused on domestic issues such as the economy and the looming debt limit crisis, but he also spoke to issues related to Ukraine, China and DOD innovation. Here are a few excerpts from the speech, according to a Politico transcript.
On Ukraine:
“I spoke from this chamber one year ago, just days after Vladimir Putin unleashed his brutal attack against Ukraine. A murderous assault, evoking images of the death and destruction Europe suffered in World War II. Putin’s invasion has been a test for the ages. A test for America. A test for the world.
“Would we stand for the most basic of principles? Would we stand for sovereignty? We stand for the right of people to live free from tyranny. Would we stand for the defense of democracy? For such a defense matters to us, because it keeps peace and prevents open season for would-be aggressors to threaten our prosperity.
“One year later, we know the answer. Yes, we would. And we did. We did. Together, we did what America always does at our best. We led.”
On Innovation:
“I will make no apologies that we are investing to make America strong. Investing in American innovation, in industries that will define the future that China is intent on dominating. Investing in our alliances and working with our allies to protect our advanced technologies so they’re not used against us.
“Modernizing our military to safeguard stability and deter aggression. Today, we’re in the strongest position in decades to compete with China or anyone else in the world. Anywhere else in the world.”
On China:
“I’m committed to work with China where it can advance American interests and benefit the world. But make no mistake, as we made clear last week, if China threatens our sovereignty, we will act to protect our country. And we did….
“Allies are stepping up, spending more and doing more. The bridges are forming between partners in the Pacific and those in the Atlantic.
“And those who bet against America are learning how wrong they are. It’s never been a good bet, never.”
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