US President Joe Biden launched a charm offensive with European allies at the G20 summit in Rome, announced a steel agreement, and promised to repair relations that were strained to a tipping point by Donald Trump.
This is a fresh start in an ancient environment: riding in a huge presidential motorcade-sometimes more than 80 cars-caught a glimpse of the Vatican, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum as they were taken to the Eternal City this weekend for a high-end conference .
On Sunday (October 31), Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Lein held a press conference to celebrate the “new era” and “milestone” of transatlantic relations.
They announced the end of the steel trade dispute that dates back to Trump’s presidency and pledged to jointly tackle climate change and resist Chinese competition.
Biden said that the “major breakthrough” “demonstrates the power of our strong partnership.”
“We have restored trust and communication,” von der Lein responded, after Trump’s “America First” policy alienated staunch American allies in Europe and other regions.
The President of the United States sat down on Friday for talks with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
After the submarine deal triggered a diplomatic crisis, the Democrats adopted an apology to Macron. He visited the French embassy near the Vatican and declared that he had “strong feelings” for France.
Biden admitted that the United States was “clumsy” in this matter. The United States and Australia signed a nuclear submarine technology agreement at the expense of France’s interests.
Macron welcomed the efforts made by the United States to resolve the crisis. He said: “We have clarified what we need to clarify.”
Nuclear umbrella
His main rivals-Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin-have not appeared in Rome, so Biden’s geopolitical limelight is mainly himself.
He also held four talks with Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to coordinate his position on the Iranian nuclear crisis, and met with Merkel’s possible successor, Olaf Schur, respectively. Ts.
After Biden insisted on the complete withdrawal of American troops-asking European allies to follow suit, the problem of the disorderly withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan needs to be repaired.
A senior U.S. official expressed the opportunity to “make as much progress as possible during the term of a (U.S.) president who is firmly committed to transatlantic relations.”
The same official also played down any differences of opinion on China.
Biden refused to start talks about the new Cold War with Beijing, but took a hard line that Europe did not unanimously support.
The official insisted that he has seen “strong agreement” with Europeans “in the nature of the challenge.”
Washington also promised to “closely consult with allies” to review the ongoing US nuclear posture.
This involves the world’s leading power formally confirming its possible use of nuclear weapons, especially when its allies are under attack.
According to the “Financial Times” report, Britain, France and Germany, as well as Australia and Japan are all worried that the United States may reduce its nuclear umbrella.
Biden and Macron issued a joint statement on Friday, promising to conduct “close consultations” on the nuclear issue.
