President Biden is gearing up for what could potentially be his final foreign diplomacy trip, as he prepares to head to South America to engage with global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Biden's itinerary includes a visit to Lima, Peru, for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where he is scheduled to meet with Xi Jinping. This meeting is anticipated to be their final encounter as heads of state, as per a senior administration official.
Following the summit in Peru, Biden will make his way to Brazil for the Group of 20 summit, a gathering of the world's leading economic powers. During his time in Brazil, Biden will also make history by becoming the first sitting U.S. president to visit locations in the Amazon rainforest.
The backdrop for Biden's diplomatic mission in South America is the growing influence of China in the region, which has been overshadowing that of the United States, according to experts.
Over the years, the U.S.'s approach to South America has evolved, shifting from a focus on political stability to addressing issues such as illegal immigration and narcotics. This shift has created opportunities for China to expand its presence in the region.
For instance, when the U.S. failed to establish trade agreements with certain South American countries, they turned to China instead. China has made strategic investments in the region, including infrastructure projects and resource acquisitions, to bolster its influence.
While the U.S. still maintains more trade agreements in South America compared to China, Beijing's initiatives in the region have been diversifying and expanding rapidly.
As Biden and Xi prepare to meet in Peru, their discussions are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including military cooperation, human rights, cybersecurity, climate change, and the transition to the incoming U.S. administration.
Overall, Biden's visit to South America underscores the shifting dynamics of global diplomacy and the strategic competition between major powers in the region.
