President Biden’s Position at APEC Family Photo in Lima Raises Questions About His Role on the World Stage

This weekend, President Joe Biden’s role at the APEC summit in Lima, Peru, provided a stark contrast to his previous moments on the global stage.

While he once confidently declared “America is back,” his position in the leaders’ family photo spoke volumes about the shifting dynamics of his presidency.

Biden was placed in the back row, far from the center of the action, while Chinese President Xi Jinping stood front and center, flanked by Peru’s President Dina Boluarte.

This positioning highlighted the evolving balance of power and influence on the world stage.

The ‘Super Lame Duck’ Moment

Biden’s status as a “super lame duck” president became apparent in Lima.

His spot in the APEC photo, which was determined by alphabetical order, contrasted with the prominent position Donald Trump occupied in 2017.

During that event, Trump stood in the center next to Russian President Vladimir Putin, an indication of his global prominence at the time.

Biden, at 81 years old, kept fellow leaders waiting for several minutes before walking to his designated position, underscoring the more subdued nature of his presence at the summit.

Biden and Trump: Unacknowledged Tensions

Biden’s role seemed overshadowed not just by Xi, but also by the looming presence of Trump.

When asked about how a potential second term for Trump could affect U.S. foreign policy, Biden avoided commenting.

American officials maintained that Trump’s name was never mentioned during talks with Japan and South Korea, despite concerns over the alliance between Russia and North Korea.

While Biden aimed to keep the focus on current global issues, the question of Trump’s impact on U.S. diplomacy remained an undercurrent at the summit.

Shifting Alliances and Global Sentiments

Globally, leaders are already thinking ahead to the implications of a potential “Trump 2.0” administration.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed that he discussed Trump’s future with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, noting that the uncertainty surrounding U.S. leadership is a key topic of conversation at events like APEC and the G20.

While Biden spoke about “significant political change” during his meetings with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, his quick pivot to congratulating Ishiba left many wondering whether his remarks were aimed at U.S. domestic politics or global shifts.

The Bigger Picture: Biden’s Global Focus

Despite the optics of Biden’s position at APEC and the silence on Trump’s name, Biden’s administration remains focused on key international relationships.

In his meeting with President Boluarte of Peru, Biden emphasized the successes of U.S.-Peru relations under his leadership, highlighting efforts to strengthen democracy and support democratic institutions.

These conversations, however, take place against a backdrop of global leaders contemplating the potential return of Trump to the White House and what that might mean for international diplomacy.

While Biden continues to lead, the world’s focus is already shifting toward the future of U.S. leadership.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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