'Never a good bet to bet against America', Biden says in State of the Union address
Joe Biden has warned those who wish ill upon the United States it is "never ever a good bet to bet against America" in his State of the Union speech at the Capitol.
The US President touched on numerous issues facing the US military in his speech, including the "brutal war" against Ukraine.
Joe Biden said the Russian invasion has been "a test for the ages. A test for America. A test for the world."
"We united Nato and built a global coalition," he said.
"We stood against Putin's aggression. We stood with the Ukrainian people."
The President also looked to China in his speech and said the US is "working for more freedom, more dignity, and more peace… not just in Europe, but everywhere".
"Before I came to office, the story was about how the People's Republic of China was increasing its power, and America was falling in the world," he said.
"Not anymore."
Biden also said he emphasised to Chinese President Xi Jinping the US looks to China for competition, not conflict.
"I will make no apologies that we are investing to make America strong," he said.
"Investing in American innovation, in industries that will define the future, and that China's government is intent on dominating."
He also said this meant investing in alliances and working with allies and partners, as well as modernising the US military.
"Today, we're in the strongest position in decades to compete with China or anyone else in the world," he said.
"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."
"In the past two years, democracies have become stronger, not weaker. Autocracies have grown weaker, not stronger.
"Allies are stepping up, spending more and doing more. And bridges are forming between partners in the Pacific and those in the Atlantic.
"And those who bet against America are learning just how wrong they are."
Veterans were also mentioned in Biden's speech, with the President calling for funding to help combat veteran suicide.
He called for money to expand mental health screenings and a programme that recruits veterans to help others get the support they need.
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