US Defense Secretary spoke about the situation in Indo-Pacific, there has been comprehensive improvement on these issues

Washington: US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, in his farewell speech on Friday talked about America's progress during the Biden administration. He said America strengthened its position in the Indo-Pacific region, addressed the challenge posed by China, avoided a major war in the Middle East and united the world on the issue of Ukraine.

“American democracy is like a race, not a sprint, but a relay race,” Austin said, referring to the incoming Trump administration. As we pass the baton to each other, I am proud of what we have accomplished over the last four years.”

Strengthened our defense ties on multiple fronts

We have focused the Department of Defense intensely on the “pacing challenge” from the People's Republic of China. We have made comprehensive improvements to our position in the Indo-Pacific. Under the Biden administration, America strengthened its defense relations on many fronts. This includes reactivating the QUAD alliance consisting of India, the US, Japan and Australia and deepening ties with ASEAN and Taiwan.

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“We have united the free world to help Ukraine fight for freedom against Putin’s imperialist aggression,” Austin said. “We have led a NATO alliance that is stronger, bigger and more united than ever before.”

Tireless efforts to save Palestinian citizens

Speaking about the Middle East, he said, “We have prevented an all-out war in the Middle East, seen Iran's proxies dismantled across the region, and worked tirelessly to rescue Palestinian civilians in Gaza. “We have also secured a ceasefire that will stop the fighting in Gaza, reunite hostages with their families, and provide much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza.”

invested heavily in the future of the army

Speaking on other aspects of the US military, Austin informed about increases in the defense budget. “We have made huge investments in the future of our military, including a defense budget that is set to increase by more than US$100 billion in fiscal year 2025, from where we started in 2021,” he said.

“Over the past four years, we have stood up to our adversaries, weakened our enemies, strengthened our friends, invested in our future and done the right thing for our people,” Austin said. “

He said that serving as Defense Secretary has been the greatest honor and greatest responsibility of his life. “I am very proud of what we have achieved at this juncture in history,” he said in his closing remarks.

(with agency input)