Biden arrives in Peru for APEC amid rivalry with Xi Jinping.

The arrival of United States President Joe Biden in Lima, Peru, on November 14 marks a significant milestone in the context of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum taking place in the Andean country. This forum, which brings together 21 of the world’s economies, will run until November 17 and will serve as a platform for crucial discussions on trade, investment, and other relevant economic topics. Biden's visit is particularly noteworthy as it is one of his last international trips as president, before the U.S. electoral cycle leads him to hand over power to his potential rival, Donald Trump.

The confirmation of this visit comes from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who has indicated that Biden will also visit Brazil to participate in the G20 Summit. This itinerary not only underscores Peru's importance on the international agenda but also highlights the efforts of the United States to engage more actively in Latin America at a time of increasing global competition.

Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer has provided details about Biden's itinerary, which includes a bilateral meeting with President Dina Boluarte on the evening of November 14. This meeting presents an opportunity for both leaders to discuss a "very packed" agenda of bilateral issues. The participation of a large group of officials from both the United States and Peru indicates a mutual interest in strengthening ties between the two nations.

Biden's arrival not only coincides with his bilateral meeting with Boluarte but also overlaps with the arrival of another globally significant leader: Xi Jinping, President of China. Both leaders will participate in APEC, and it is expected that they will virtually inaugurate the mega port of Chancay, a significant project for Peru that reflects the growing Chinese investment in the country's infrastructure. This inauguration, although conducted remotely, aims to symbolize the advancement of relations between Peru and China, as well as the strategic importance of this port in international trade.

The Chancay port, which will be inaugurated virtually for security reasons concerning the Chinese president, represents a considerable investment and has the potential to become a key logistics hub for the region. The comprehensive strategic partnership between Peru and China will be tested at this event, which promises to be a catalyst for future economic collaborations.

The simultaneous presence of Biden and Xi in Peru and their respective meetings with Boluarte also highlights the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China. At a time when global power dynamics are shifting, the relationship between Peru and these two economic giants could influence the political and economic decisions of the Andean country in the future.

In addition to the inauguration of the Chancay port, the APEC forum will provide a platform for leaders to discuss other pressing issues, such as post-pandemic economic recovery, environmental sustainability, and inclusive trade. The active participation of these leaders in the forum underscores the importance of international cooperation and the need to address global challenges collectively.

As the date of the visit approaches, expectations in Peru are palpable. The arrival of Biden and Xi Jinping not only represents an opportunity to strengthen diplomacy and trade but also offers Peru the chance to position itself as a key player on the international stage. The country’s ability to manage these relationships and seize opportunities will be crucial in the context of a changing global landscape.

In summary, Joe Biden's visit to Peru within the framework of APEC is a highly relevant event that could have significant repercussions for both the host country and international relations in general. The manner in which these meetings and agreements unfold will largely determine the course of Peruvian economic policy in the coming years and its integration into the global context.