In his annual address to Congress, President Joe Biden's foreign policy remarks garnered mixed responses from various parts of the world. Notably, he began his speech by discussing Ukraine, followed by addressing the Israel-Hamas war and emphasizing the need to confront China. To gain insights into the global reactions, BBC correspondents analyzed his comments in each region.

Starting with Eastern Europe, Sarah Rainsford, BBC correspondent, noted that President Biden's comparison of Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler in his State of the Union address would not sit well with the Kremlin. The Russian leader has falsely claimed that the invasion of Ukraine aims to "de-Nazify" its neighbor. However, President Biden emphasized continued support for Ukraine, urging Congress to unblock the funding necessary for the country's defense efforts. Ukraine itself welcomed the speech, recognizing the commitment to democracy and support for Kyiv.

Moving on to China, Laura Bicker, BBC correspondent, highlighted the contrast between the discord exhibited in Washington and the rubber-stamp parliament in Beijing. President Biden's tough stance on China may raise concerns among its business sector, despite his call for "competition - not conflict." His administration has already expanded sanctions against China on various issues, leading to strained relations. Bicker suggested that China may view another Trump presidency as preferable, as President Trump initiated a trade war and refused to commit to defending Taiwan. China could exploit these differences to project itself as a more reliable diplomatic partner on the global stage.

Yolande Knell, BBC Middle East correspondent, analyzed President Biden's remarks on the Israel-Hamas conflict. While he blamed Hamas for starting the war, he emphasized the high civilian death toll among Palestinians and called on Israel to ensure the delivery of basic supplies to Gaza. Knell highlighted President Biden's announcement of a plan for a new floating pier to bring in aid to Gaza, demonstrating frustration with Israel's actions. Israel, however, officially welcomed the plan, as it has restricted the entry of aid through its own port, Ashdod, and resisted opening additional border crossings.

President Biden's State of the Union address certainly sparked reactions abroad. While Ukraine appreciated the support and commitment to democracy, Russia and China may have reservations regarding his tough stance. In the Middle East, Israel received a rebuke concerning aid access to Gaza, prompting the announcement of a unique plan to address the situation.

As the international community continues to assess President Biden's foreign policy approach, the impact and outcome of his speeches will unfold over time.