'Rivals like' Russia, China challenge America, says Trump

Washington DC [United States], Jan 31 (ANI): United States President Donald Trump has forcefully talked about the challenges that "rivals like China and Russia" pose to his country in his first official State of the Union speech.

"As we rebuild America's strength and confidence at home we are also restoring our strength and standing abroad," Trump added, "around the world we face rogue regimes, terror groups and rivals like China and Russia that challenge our interests, economy and values."

According to the administration's new National Defense Strategy revealed this month, the Pentagon singles out China and Russia as the "central challenge" faced by the US armed forces.

"In confronting these dangers, we know that weakness is the surest path to conflict, and unmatched power is the surest means of our defense," the US President added.

In addition to this, Trump asked the US Congress for more money for defense spending to rebuild the military.

"As part of our defense, we must modernize and rebuild our nuclear arsenal, hopefully never having to use it, but making it so strong and powerful that it will deter any acts of aggression," Trump underscored.

Trump dwelled upon Islamic State (IS) and terrorism.

"We will continue our fight until ISIS is defeated," Trump added, "Terrorists are not merely criminals. They are unlawful enemy combatants. And when captured overseas, they should be treated like the terrorists they are."

Trump, earlier in his speech, announced that he has signed an executive order to keep the detention to keep the detention facility at Cuba's Guantanamo Bay open. (ANI)