Biden’s Final International Engagements in South America Ahead of Transition

President Biden is set to undertake a significant trip to South America, which includes attending the APEC summit in Peru and engaging with leaders in Brazil, marking possible final international meetings before the transition to President Trump. Key discussions will focus on U.S.-China relations, climate policy, and the importance of maintaining alliances in the face of forthcoming changes in U.S. foreign policy.

President Joe Biden is embarking on what may be his final international trip this week, focusing on South America. His agenda includes attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, where he will meet with notable leaders, including President Dina Boluarte of Peru, before proceeding to Manaus for a historic visit to the Amazon rainforest. This trip comes at a significant juncture following the recent U.S. elections, which have raised questions about America’s future role on the global stage under President-elect Donald Trump. At the APEC summit, Biden’s participation is particularly important given Trump’s pledge to implement substantial tariffs that could disrupt global trade dynamics. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized that Biden aims to reaffirm America’s leadership role in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting an unprecedented rapport with Indo-Pacific partners. This relationship is a key aspect that Biden intends to transfer to the incoming administration. Following the APEC summit, President Biden is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping—his first encounter since their previous meeting in California last November. This meeting is pivotal for ensuring an orderly transition and maintaining crucial military communication channels between the two nations. Administration officials have described the U.S.-China relationship as complex and challenging, stressing that the next administration will need to navigate these dynamics effectively. Biden’s next stop in Manaus, Brazil, holds historical significance as it marks the first visit by a sitting U.S. president to the Amazon rainforest. The White House asserts that this visit illustrates Biden’s dedication to combating climate change—an area expected to face significant shifts under President Trump, who has previously dismissed climate change concerns. Subsequently, President Biden will participate in the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, where he will engage with international allies regarding foreign policy amidst anticipated transitions towards Trump’s presidency. Sullivan reiterated that throughout Biden’s term, he has consistently conveyed the importance of allies to U.S. national security, addressing shared commitments such as supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty. Additionally, discussions will focus on debt restructuring for low- and middle-income countries and enhancing global infrastructure. This trip underscores the urgency of reaffirming alliances as geopolitical tensions persist.

The article discusses the strategic significance of President Biden’s forthcoming trip to South America, particularly in the context of potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy following the national elections. The visit includes participation in the APEC summit in Peru and a groundbreaking engagement with the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, emphasizing key international relationships, climate issues, and economic discussions. The article highlights the delicate transition of power as President-elect Trump brings contrasting policies, particularly concerning tariffs and climate change, into focus.

In summary, President Joe Biden’s imminent trip to South America serves as a critical platform to reinforce America’s international standing and address pressing global challenges. The meetings with other world leaders, particularly with President Xi, foreshadow the transition’s potential impact on U.S.-China relations. Furthermore, Biden’s commitment to discussing climate change and infrastructure signifies an overarching priority for the Biden administration, contrasting starkly with the anticipated policies of President-elect Trump.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com