President Joe Biden embarks on a six-day trip to Peru and Brazil, which will be marked by significant international summits. This visit, commencing Thursday, represents one of his final opportunities to engage with global leaders regarding pressing international issues as discussions about Donald Trump’s potential return to the presidency loom over the events.
Biden’s attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru, coupled with additional engagements in the Amazon rainforest and the G20 summit in Brazil, underscores his commitment to international diplomacy. This journey allows Biden to solidify relationships with leaders he has collaborated with during his presidency, although their focus largely shifts towards Trump’s implications for future U.S. foreign policy.
As world leaders express congratulations to Trump on his recent election success, they are also closely evaluating his proposed national security and foreign policy picks. Notably, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is even preparing for the possibility of rekindling a bond with Trump over golf, reflecting the new political landscape emerging from Trump’s candidacy.
According to analysts, this is unlikely to be a triumphant farewell for Biden, who faces the challenges of being a “lame duck” president, especially as his successor is positioned to adopt significantly different policies. Nevertheless, Biden’s administration is promoting the upcoming APEC and G20 meetings as essential, focusing on discussions surrounding climate change, global infrastructure development, narcotics trafficking, and direct engagements with noteworthy leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security adviser, conveyed that the president’s message remains consistent: strengthening alliances is crucial for U.S. national security and enhances the country’s capabilities globally. He also noted that Biden’s discussions with Trump, prior to the president’s international trip, spanned various global conflicts, signaling the importance of collaboration even amid a transition of power.
Sullivan emphasized the significance of the U.S.-China relationship moving forward, underlining its importance for Trump’s incoming administration. Trump has indicated his intent to appoint notable figures, such as Florida Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state and Representative Mike Waltz as national security adviser, both labeled as tough on China. Biden’s approach to discussions with Xi is anticipated to focus on these geopolitical tensions, particularly in light of Trump’s campaign promises that could reshape trade policies and tariffs.
Biden also aims to rally support among allies for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, bringing attention to broader regional issues in Lebanon and Gaza, including the critical matter of hostages taken by Hamas. His visit to the Amazon rainforest marks a historic moment as it is the first time a sitting U.S. president has ventured there, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to environmental issues and global climate action.
Experts suggest that this international engagement serves as a platform for Biden to underscore the normalcy of power transitions within democracies. Observers believe that Biden’s reception will be met with appreciation, although uncertainty still prevails among global leaders regarding the implications of Trump’s policies.
The anticipated meeting between Biden and Xi is poised to be a pivotal moment during this visit, representing their first discussion since April, following a more in-depth interaction at last year’s APEC summit in California. Biden aims to maintain a stable rapport with Xi, despite ongoing concerns regarding China’s actions on the global stage.
Tensions between the U.S. and China remained palpable over various incidents, including the shootdown of a Chinese balloon and increased Chinese military activities in East Asian waters. As Biden prepares to address these issues at the summits, he is likely to highlight investigations into alleged hacks directed at key Republican and Democratic figures. The backdrop of Trump’s earlier warm ties with Xi, which later became contentious, adds complexity to this upcoming dialogue.
In summary, the atmosphere surrounding Biden’s visit reflects a blend of optimism and trepidation about future U.S. foreign relations, particularly with China, underscoring the broader implications of leadership transitions on the global stage. The responses from world leaders during Biden’s engagements will serve as an essential barometer of the international community’s stance as they navigate the uncertainties of Trump’s political trajectory.