President Joe Biden cautiously engaged in international summits, notably avoiding any direct mention of President-elect Donald Trump, ahead of Trump's inauguration in January.
Politico reported that Biden recently navigated two major international summits, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Peru and the G20 in Rio de Janeiro.
These meetings marked some of his last major appearances on the global stage before leaving office in January.
Throughout the events, Biden maintained a low profile, focusing on formal summit activities and limiting his interactions with the press.
At both summits, President Biden was present only at the opening sessions and made brief comments during smaller group meetings with other leaders.
This was a departure from the more extensive engagements typically expected of U.S. Presidents. The White House defended Biden's subdued presence, highlighting his extensive history of interactions with the media during his tenure.
The decision to avoid a traditional news conference was notable, given the customary practice at such international gatherings.
This choice avoided any on-record comments about the transition to Trump's administration, which much of the global community views with apprehension due to predicted shifts in U.S. foreign policy.
Even without the usual press engagements, Biden’s participation in the summits was not without substance. He secured an important agreement with China’s leader, Xi Jinping, focusing on the non-use of artificial intelligence for controlling nuclear weapons. This deal represents a significant step towards stabilizing militaristic advancements in technology.
Additionally, Biden's efforts contributed to negotiations concerning the release of wrongfully detained U.S. citizens, reaffirming his commitment to addressing international human rights issues during his presidency.
However, his absence from the G20 group photo due to what an official described as a "scheduling miscommunication," raised questions about the level of coordination within his team.
Biden’s strategy of public reticence extends beyond just avoiding the press; he also refrained from using Donald Trump’s name, even while acknowledging his impending departure in January. This was seen during his remark, “It was no secret” he was leaving, which subtly signaled the upcoming change without direct reference to Trump.
Internationally, other leaders mirrored Biden’s caution, generally avoiding public comments that could sway their relations with the incoming U.S. administration.
A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, speculated that Trump might shift his stance on climate issues once confronted with the realities like those impacting the Amazon, which Biden highlighted during his visit there on International Conservation Day.
President Biden also made history as the first sitting U.S. President to visit the Amazon rainforest. There, he signed a proclamation designating November 17 as International Conservation Day, underscoring his ongoing commitment to environmental issues.
This action offered a contrast to the expected environmental policies under Trump, who has frequently expressed skepticism about climate change.
Throughout the summits, the White House ensured that several officials were available to speak to reporters, albeit usually under conditions of anonymity. This allowed the administration to maintain a controlled narrative about Biden’s diplomatic engagements and the significant developments from these summits.
While President Biden’s final international appearances have been marked by cautious diplomacy and significant agreements, the overshadowing presence of a forthcoming Trump presidency injects a sense of uncertainty into the global political landscape.
The senior deputy press secretary, Andrew Bates, emphasized Biden’s record of press engagement, citing over 630 Q&As and more than 50 interviews this year, defending the limited press interactions in South America.
Despite the achievements, the question lingered among the media, highlighted during a moment when a reporter loudly inquired, “Why are you hiding from the press, Sir?” This question punctuates the broader theme of Biden's concluding international diplomacy: a blend of strategic silence and careful positioning as the world braces for a significant political shift.