President Joe Biden has embarked on his final international summits as the U.S. President, starting with a visit to Peru and continuing to Brazil. This six-day trip, which kicked off on November 14, 2024, marks significant moments as the global political climate shifts, especially with the anticipated return of former President Donald Trump to the White House.
Biden's first destination is Lima, where he will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. This gathering is particularly poignant as it occurs amid worldwide discussions on what Trump's potential re-election could mean for international relations. While Biden seeks to reaffirm the United States' commitment to its allies, world leaders, including South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol, are already adjusting their strategies to align with Trump's anticipated policies, including renewing ties over activities like golf—something Yoon has set aside for eight years, waiting for the right moment.
At the core of Biden's agenda is the need to demonstrate stability and solidarity among allies, as he reassures them about continuing U.S. diplomatic efforts. White House officials have emphasized the significance of Biden's presence at APEC and the Group of 20 (G20) summit, highlighting scheduled discussions on pressing issues such as climate change, global infrastructure, and counternarcotic operations. One-on-one meetings are also expected to take place, including significant conversations with global leaders like Chinese President Xi Jinping.
"Biden is still expected to communicate the message he's championed throughout his presidency—that support among allies is imperative for America's national security and global stability," stated Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security adviser. This recurring theme suggests Biden's administration intends to handle international relationships delicately, acknowledging the incoming shift with Trump's administration.
Interestingly, the discussions between Biden and Trump prior to Biden’s trip touched upon various global conflicts, including those in Gaza, Lebanon, and Ukraine. Trump reportedly provided his insights on these matters, showcasing his continuing influence even before his official return to power.
During his Latin American tour, Biden is set to visit not merely for the summits but also to tour the Amazon rainforest—a first for any sitting U.S. President. Experts assert this trip will offer Biden valuable opportunities to showcase the U.S.'s commitment to environmental issues and sustainable practices, important themes for many global leaders.
The meeting with Xi is deemed one of the most consequential moments of Biden's South American tour. Their last face-to-face meeting was at the APEC summit last year, and this conversation will take place against the backdrop of heightened tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly concerning trade tariffs and national security challenges. U.S. intelligence has warned about China's increasing support to Russia amid the Ukraine crisis, making Biden's discussions with Xi particularly urgent.
Analysts have characterized this phase of Biden's presidency as increasingly complicated; some refer to him as "a super lame duck due to the imminent transition to Trump.” Erin Murphy from the Center for Strategic and International Studies emphasized the complexity of Biden's position during these concluding months of his presidency. The necessity for proactive approaches to alliances and strategic partnerships has never been clearer.
"While there could be applause for Biden during this visit, world leaders are more focused on the upcoming transition and what Trump's administration might alter concerning foreign policy," noted James Bosworth, founder of the Latin American political consultancy Hxagon. This acknowledgement underlines the pressure Biden faces to maintain cohesiveness among allies when the U.S. political environment appears precarious.
Besides the anticipated dialogues around trade and environmental policies, Biden will also urge global leaders to sustain support for Ukraine amid its struggle against the Russian invasion, particularly emphasizing the need to keep focus on humanitarian efforts to retrieve hostages held by Hamas.
A sense of urgency surrounds Biden's discussions, particularly concerning U.S.-China relations. Although the White House has refrained from detailing the exact nature of Biden's discussions with Xi, the implication is clear: restoring some form of dialogue is key to managing the dynamics between the two superpowers.
Returning to Peru, Biden's gathering of world leaders may provide him the platform to reaffirm commitments and establish dialogues before the status quo changes dramatically. Leaders anticipated the importance of the meetings as they pave the way for the new administration, allowing Biden to advocate for collaborative solutions to current crises like the humanitarian issues arising from recent conflicts.
Finally, as Biden journeys through Peru and Brazil, it's evident this trip is more than just ceremonial; it's his opportunity to shape the legacy of his administration and help stabilize relationships on the verge of recalibration. With global uncertainties at the forefront, Biden is stepping onto the international stage, hoping to encourage continuity—even as much around him signals change.
