Biden Peru visit/ APEC summit 2024/ Biden Xi meeting/ Trump global impact/ Amazon rainforest visit./ Newslooks/ LIMA/ Peru/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Biden’s visit to Peru for the APEC summit highlights his administration’s international diplomacy efforts, with key discussions planned on climate change, security, and relations with China. Biden’s meeting with Xi Jinping and a trilateral discussion with South Korea and Japan aim to solidify alliances amid geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, world leaders are shifting focus to Donald Trump’s return to power and its potential global implications.
Biden in Peru: Quick Looks
- APEC Summit in Peru: President Biden begins his six-day Latin America tour at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
- Xi Jinping Meeting: Biden and Xi will address U.S.-China tensions, including Taiwan, trade, and Russia’s Ukraine invasion.
- South Korea and Japan Talks: A trilateral meeting with leaders from South Korea and Japan focuses on regional security and economic collaboration.
- Amazon Rainforest Visit: Biden marks history as the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Amazon rainforest.
- Trump’s Global Impact: World leaders express concerns about Donald Trump’s policies and potential effects on U.S. foreign relations.
Biden in Peru: Summit Diplomacy Amid Global Trump Focus
Deep Look
President Joe Biden arrived in Lima, Peru, on Thursday to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit as part of a broader six-day visit to Latin America. This marks a critical diplomatic opportunity for Biden, offering him a platform to solidify his legacy in foreign policy before leaving office. However, the international community’s focus is equally divided between Biden’s efforts and the looming implications of Donald Trump’s return to power.
Diplomatic Agenda and Key Meetings
Biden’s Latin America visit includes participation in APEC, a visit to the Amazon rainforest, and attendance at the G20 summit in Brazil. According to National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, the president’s primary goals are fostering discussions on climate change, international infrastructure development, and counter-narcotics collaboration. High-profile meetings with world leaders, including a bilateral conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, are pivotal to Biden’s itinerary. A trilateral session with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will further underscore the administration’s focus on strengthening alliances in Asia amid tensions with North Korea and China.
Meeting with Xi Jinping: Tensions and Collaboration
The Biden-Xi meeting stands out as the most significant of the trip. The U.S. is pressing China to manage its economic and military assertiveness, particularly concerning Taiwan and its increased military aid to Russia. The relationship between Washington and Beijing remains fraught after incidents like the U.S. shooting down a suspected Chinese spy balloon in 2023. Biden will likely emphasize maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait, which he described as a “paramount priority.” Meanwhile, Xi may raise concerns about Trump’s campaign promise to impose steep tariffs on Chinese imports, a move that could strain bilateral ties further.
The Trump Factor: A Shadow Over Diplomacy
World leaders, already engaging with Trump through congratulatory calls, are preparing for the possible shifts his presidency might bring. Trump’s proposed cabinet choices, such as Florida Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, signal a potentially more hardline approach, particularly toward China. Biden’s team acknowledges this dynamic but emphasizes continuity in key U.S. policies regardless of the administration.
Reassurance Amid Global Transition
Political analysts note that Biden’s trip is as much about reinforcing global alliances as it is about demonstrating the resilience of American democracy. James Bosworth, a Latin America political expert, remarked that Biden’s presence at the summit reflects an effort to assure international partners of stability during political transitions.
Historic Visit to the Amazon Rainforest
Biden will also make a symbolic trip to the Amazon rainforest, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president has visited the region. This stop underscores his administration’s commitment to combating climate change and fostering sustainability.
Global Geopolitical Shifts
As the Biden administration focuses on pressing issues like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions in the Middle East, and environmental challenges, world leaders are simultaneously strategizing to adapt to a post-Biden U.S. landscape. Experts draw comparisons to 2016, when then-President Barack Obama navigated similar uncertainties following Trump’s initial election victory.
While Biden seeks to leave a diplomatic mark through substantive engagements, the international community is bracing for the changes that Trump’s leadership might bring to global governance.
