As President Joe Biden tried to make friends and influence Southeast Asian countries, he intensified his efforts to control Russia and China during a weekend trip to Cambodia.
Biden hosted the countries of the region at The White House in May. He also stressed the desire of his administration to strengthen relations during remarks at the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
The absence of China’s Xi Jinping from past gatherings has been criticized by previous administrations. He won’t be attending this year’s. He will be attending the Group of 20 Summit in Bali, where he plans on meeting Biden. Later in the week, he will also attend APEC, where Vice President Kamala Harris will be there.
Biden had the opportunity to convince other countries by Xi’s absence from Cambodia that China would cause supply chain disruptions in Taiwan if they invade Taiwan.
What’s next?
Biden will meet with Joko Widodo (Indonesian President), on Monday in Bali. This year’s G-20 Summit is being hosted by Indonesia.
Biden’s second meeting with China’s Xi will get the most attention, but that’s before the summit begins. It was months in the planning for the meeting with the Chinese leader; it will be the first time that the two presidents have met in person since Biden’s election.
Anthony Jackson, Associated Press Past administrations were criticised for not attending the gathering China’s Xi Jinping attended in the past, but will not attend this year. He will be attending the Group of 20 Summit in Bali, where he plans on meeting Biden. Later in the week, he will also attend APEC, where Vice President Kamala Harris will be there.
