In the final quarter of his term, President Biden is reportedly contemplating a global tour that could take him to Europe, Africa, and South America.
At 81, Biden is anticipated to participate in two international summits in South America following the November 5 election. However, as reported by NBC News, the President is also considering visiting Germany and making at least one stop in sub-Saharan Africa in October.
According to The New York Post, an official stated, The team is pulling together options. This potential global tour during the concluding phase of the election campaign could serve to shift some media focus away from the electoral contest between Republican nominee Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, with whom Biden has co-hosted several events.
Biden, the outgoing incumbent, has committed to visiting Africa during his tenure. His trip to Germany could underscore his desired legacy as a leader of the NATO alliance in opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The South American tour would include attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in Lima, Peru, from November 10 to 16, and the annual G-20 summit of leaders of the world's top economies in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 18 and 19.
During these summits, Biden might have the opportunity to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Such a meeting would mark a significant point in a relationship that has been controversial due to two business relationships between the Biden family and Chinese state-linked firms. This controversy is further fueled by Xi's refusal to cooperate on investigations into the origins of COVID-19, which has claimed over a million American lives, possibly due to a lab leak in China. Additionally, Xi's failure to halt fentanyl exports, which resulted in the deaths of more than 223,000 US residents during the first three years of Biden's administration, has added to the strain.
White House representatives neither confirmed nor denied plans for this extensive tour before Biden's retirement in Delaware on January 20. National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett stated, As he has since his first day in office, President Biden will continue to strengthen our alliances and partnerships with countries around the world, meeting with foreign leaders and advancing our efforts to make us all safer and more secure.
Savett further elaborated on Biden's packed foreign policy agenda, which includes securing a cease-fire and hostage release deal to end the war in Gaza, supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, addressing challenges posed by the People's Republic of China, and strengthening international relationships to create opportunities for the American people, enhance American strength and security, and tackle future global threats.
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