President Biden is preparing for what could be his final foray on the diplomatic scene as he embarks on a trip to South America. This week-long jaunt takes him to Lima, Peru, for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, followed by the G20 summit in Brazil. Both gatherings are not merely ceremonial; they are pivotal stages for Biden to assert his foreign policy stances on key global issues.
Scheduled meetings, particularly with Chinese President Xi Jinping, hang heavily over the trip. This encounter is anticipated to be their last as ruling leaders, as Biden’s administration approaches its conclusion amid rising competition from China for global influence. The stakes are high, since this visit might be Biden’s opportunity to communicate the U.S. commitment to multilateral partnerships, even as the specter of Donald Trump’s impending return to power looms large.
Biden’s administration has been grappling with the reality of China's deepening ties with South American nations, which has significantly challenged U.S. hegemony. Analysts have pointed out how countries like Ecuador and Uruguay, under pressure for trade progress from the U.S., have redirected their focus toward establishing relationships with China, thereby filling gaps left by American disengagement.
Historically, the U.S. maintained strong ties with Latin America, focusing on political stability and mutual economic relationships. Yet, the shift to prioritizing domestic issues like immigration and drug trafficking has allowed China to seize the moment. Chinese investments have surged, with significant infrastructure developments and trade agreements enriching relationships with strategic partners. For example, China's engagements with ports like those in Peru signify its growing economic footprint.
While the U.S. still holds more trade agreements compared to China, this situation is precarious as China diversifies its involvement—investing heavily within the region. This newfound leverage is evident as Chinese companies undertake infrastructure projects ranging from resource extraction to agricultural investments, effectively fortifying their grip just as the U.S. recalibrates its policies.
During the APEC summit, Biden aims to spotlight American commitments to environmental issues, particularly through his historic visit to the Amazon rainforest. This visit serves not only as symbolic resonance but stands as the United States’ declaration of its commitment to combating climate change—a topic expected to resonate among global leaders.
Despite the anticipated significant moments, experts caution against overstated optimism. “A lame duck is still a lame duck,” says Ricardo Zúñiga, noting the shift imminent with Trump taking charge. Such sentiments reflect the urgency for Biden to assure these leaders of the U.S.'s steadfastness even as the political tides turn.
With the G20 summit scheduled soon after, Biden’s agenda will also prominently feature discussions surrounding the war in Ukraine. Given Trump’s more isolationist tendencies, reaffirming the U.S. stance to support Ukraine could be fraught with political challenges. Biden's goal will be to rally support, emphasizing the importance of global alliances—essentially making the case for continuity amid uncertainty.
During these summits, another pivotal factor is the competition over narrative with regards to national security policies and humanitarian issues. The upcoming meetings with Xi Jinping add layers of complexity as both leaders seek to delineate their countries’ positions on military cooperation, cybersecurity, and economic stability. Expectations will rise around whether Biden can maintain sufficient diplomatic rapport with Xi following years of tension—stemming from trade disputes and geopolitical posturing.
“It’s going to be about maintaining stability during the transition,” noted Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security advisor, emphasizing the significance of keeping communication lines open not just with China, but across borders to facilitate cooperation on various fronts.
Despite the heavy clouds hanging over the trip, Biden appears determined to promote his administration’s achievements and visions. He has reiterated to world leaders the importance of the collaborative efforts made during his tenure, aiming to leave behind relationships fortified against the looming uncertainty Trump’s administration may bring.
Observers are eagerly watching how this endeavor reflects both the culmination of Biden’s efforts and the challenge of ensuring continuity for American foreign policy. These summits can either reaffirm Biden’s legacy of multilateralism or signal the impending downturn of U.S. foreign influence as Trump's brand of international relations approaches.
With so much at stake, the outcomes bore relevance not just for the Americas but also the broader geopolitical frameworks reshaping global diplomacy. The impact of this trip, reflective of larger trends and power struggles, will reverberate well beyond the closing chapters of Biden’s time at the helm.
