President Biden Seeks Regional Cooperation Against China At G7 Summit, Confronts Debt Limit Stalemate

With an aim to prevent a potential economic crisis and counter China's influence, Biden navigated the complexities of international diplomacy alongside urgent domestic negotiations on raising the federal debt ceiling.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 20 May 2023 9:38 am

US President Joe Biden

President Joe Biden took part in the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Japan, where he sought to rally regional cooperation against China while facing a stalemate in Washington over the U.S. debt limit. According to reports by NBCDFW, Biden, aiming to avoid a potential global economic crisis and prevent China from gaining an advantage, began his third day in Japan with a briefing on the ongoing showdown over raising the federal debt limit.

Alongside addressing the debt limit issue, the president engaged in meetings focused on challenging China's expansion in the Indo-Pacific region, including discussions with the Quad partnership consisting of the U.S., Australia, Japan, and India.

Originally scheduled to meet in Sydney, the Quad members rearranged their meeting to coincide with the G7 summit, allowing Biden to return to Washington early to finalize a deal on the debt ceiling before the U.S. faces a potential cash shortfall.

This situation highlights the ongoing tension between Biden's efforts to showcase U.S. global leadership and the domestic challenges that continue to disrupt his agenda.

During the summit, Biden has maintained a low public profile, opting for smaller statements and leaving events early. He has remained informed through a video monitor in a nearby room, where his Washington aides have been updating him on the progress of debt limit negotiations.

While world leaders have expressed concerns about the debt limit standoff, there is no immediate panic, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.