President Joe Biden is heading to South America for global meetings as he wraps up over 50 years in U.S. politics, Reuters reports.
However, much of the focus will be on Donald Trump, who won the recent election and is preparing to take over as president.
Biden will attend the APEC summit in Peru and the G20 summit in Brazil, holding meetings with leaders from China, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil. While no major deals are expected, topics like trade, alliances, and global security will be discussed.
Trump’s win against Vice President Kamala Harris signals big shifts in U.S. policies. Reuters highlights Trump’s plans to impose higher tariffs, especially on Chinese goods, and reduce support for Ukraine.
With Republicans now controlling Congress, Trump’s approach will likely replace Biden’s focus on rebuilding alliances.
Biden, who strengthened NATO and countered China’s influence in Asia during his presidency, plans to use this trip to emphasize the importance of U.S. alliances. According to Reuters, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Biden will thank global partners for their support on key challenges, reaffirming America’s commitment to global leadership.
At the APEC summit, Biden will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, his last chance to directly address issues like Taiwan, human rights, and China’s support for Russia.
Their meeting comes after last year’s California summit, which eased tensions following the U.S. shooting down a Chinese spy balloon. Sullivan told Reuters that Biden will stress avoiding military conflict and keeping open communication, especially between the two countries’ militaries.
Reuters also notes that Biden will meet leaders from Japan, South Korea, and Brazil to discuss shared priorities. Experts believe Biden’s final trip isn’t a “swan song” but reflects his limited power as a “lame duck” leader, given Trump’s very different approach to foreign policy.
Erin Murphy from the Center for Strategic and International Studies told Reuters that Biden’s successor will likely undo many of his policies, creating a stark transition in leadership.
Credit : Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-bid-farewell-apec-g20-under-trumps-shadow-2024-11-14