President Joe Biden is getting ready for a major week in San Francisco, shining a spotlight on the United States’ strong ties with the Asia-Pacific region amid various global challenges.
The highlight? A highly anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to The Associated Press News on Tuesday, November 14.
In the midst of a rocky year in U.S.-China relations, Biden’s attendance at the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit carries significant weight.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan stresses that the summit’s agenda goes beyond the Xi meeting.
President Biden this coming week will be doing a lot more than just meeting with President Xi, he said.
Biden aims to lay out his economic vision for the region, positioning the U.S. as a key force behind sustainable economic growth in the Asia-Pacific.
Acknowledging the desire for improved U.S.-China dialogue among APEC nations, the White House plans to introduce initiatives through the Indo-Pacific Economic Forum (IPEF).
This strategy, developed after the U.S. exited the Trans-Pacific Partnership, focuses on countering Beijing’s commercial influence.
However, APEC members have shown lukewarm reactions to IPEF, with some interested in supply chain resilience and clean energy initiatives but calling for increased access to U.S. markets.
All of this is happening against the backdrop of geopolitical challenges, with Biden managing the Israel-Hamas conflict and rallying support for Ukraine against Russia.
The White House is committed to the region’s economic well-being while navigating complex international dynamics.
As Biden engages with APEC leaders, including Indonesian President Joko Widodo, differences over the Israel-Hamas war have emerged.
Widodo’s criticism of Israel’s actions created a diplomatic challenge, but Biden stressed collaboration on the climate crisis and other shared concerns.
The White House’s push for a joint declaration at the summit faces hurdles due to differing views on the Israel-Hamas and Ukraine conflicts among APEC members.
Biden aims to strengthen ties with close allies like Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, emphasizing commitment to the region amid tensions.
However, the possibility of a government shutdown hangs over the summit, adding an extra layer of complexity.
With funding negotiations ongoing and potential global consequences, Biden’s team emphasizes the importance of avoiding a shutdown for U.S. standing worldwide.
