Biden Personalizes Asia-Pacific Diplomacy in Final Months of Office

President Joe Biden is set to spotlight the Indo-Pacific partnership he has developed since taking office by hosting leaders from Australia, Japan, and India in his hometown this Saturday. This summit aims to enhance his legacy while focusing on the geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region.

Upon his arrival in the White House, Biden sought to elevate the Quad—a partnership involving Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—transitioning it from a foreign minister level to direct leader-level discussions. This marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, moving attention away from longstanding conflicts in the Middle East and toward emerging threats and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific. This weekend’s gathering marks the fourth in-person meeting of these leaders and their sixth overall since 2021.

To give the summit a personal touch, Biden has opened his home in Wilmington, Delaware, to the visiting leaders, offering a glimpse of his hospitality. This gathering may be one of the final meetings of the group before he concludes his presidency on January 20. The leaders will hold a formal dinner at Archmere Academy, the high school Biden attended more than 60 years ago.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in Wilmington ahead of their engagements at the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the importance of personal relationships in diplomacy, reflecting Biden’s approach during his presidency. Sullivan stated that opening his home to these leaders shows that they are significant to Biden, indicating the depth of these international relationships.

On Friday afternoon, Biden welcomed Albanese to his residence, located near a pond in a wooded area and a few miles from downtown Wilmington. On the following day, Kishida and Modi joined the discussions, bringing together all leaders for consultations at Archmere Academy in Claymont.

Sullivan characterized the atmosphere during his meetings with Albanese as informal, describing it as “two guys—one at the other guy’s home—talking broadly about where they see the state of the world.” They also exchanged anecdotes about their political journeys.

Unfortunately, reporters and photographers were barred from covering Biden’s one-on-one sessions with each leader, and the president has not planned a press conference, which is typically a part of international summits where questions are taken from the media.

During the summit, the participating leaders are expected to unveil collaborative initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, facilitating stronger cooperation among coast guards across the Pacific and Indian oceans, and improving responses to humanitarian crises. These measures serve as a counterbalance to the growing influence of China in the region.

Discussions between Biden and Modi are expected to include Modi’s recent visits to Russia and Ukraine, as well as economic and security issues relating to China. Modi represents a pivotal voice in this conversation, given India’s neutral stance on Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine.

Sullivan indicated Biden would stress the importance of nations like India taking a stand to uphold principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. He asserted that all countries must refrain from aiding Russia in its military endeavors.

This gathering also provides an opportunity for farewell exchanges between Biden and Kishida, as both leaders are nearing the end of their terms amid declining public support. They have focused on improving security and economic ties among the U.S., Japan, and South Korea as prominent achievements of their leadership.

Strengthening relations between Japan and South Korea is noteworthy, particularly given their historically complicated interactions. These discussions come in light of growing concerns about North Korea’s nuclear advancements and increasing assertiveness from China in the region.

Continuing tensions also persist in other areas, including a proposed $15 billion acquisition by Japan’s Nippon Steel of American-owned U.S. Steel, which Biden, along with potential presidential candidates, has opposed. Administration officials have stated that a formal assessment of this proposal by a U.S. government committee still needs to be presented and could be delayed until after the upcoming elections on November 5.

Sullivan addressed speculation about the timing of this report, arguing it should not be interpreted as a shift in Biden’s position regarding the deal.

The Biden administration has indicated that the leaders will release a joint statement featuring firm language concerning China and North Korea, marking a significant moment in their collaboration.

Moreover, Biden’s Cancer Moonshot Initiative, a personal project aimed at reducing cancer deaths—a cause deeply significant to both him and First Lady Jill Biden—will also be highlighted during the summit. The initiative was inspired by the loss of their son, Beau, to brain cancer in 2015.

As Biden’s presidency approaches its conclusion, the White House is also celebrating the formation of a bipartisan “Quad Caucus” in Congress, aimed at ensuring that the Quad partnership remains a priority regardless of political outcomes following the November elections.

Source: Associated Press