Biden’s last chance: Navigating foreign policy challenges in the 79th UNGA

Biden's last chance Navigating foreign policy challenges in the 79th UNGA
Credit: dnyuz.com

President Joe Biden had the last chance to discuss his opinion on the general debate during the 79th session of the General Assembly. He will focus on his foreign policy achievements. His speech is expected to discuss many matters. It includes UN reforms, global partnerships, and his approach to managing US-China relations. The crucial part of his presidency was his approach towards China, particularly in the areas of economics and security. 

However, it is not clear whether his speech will include a discussion of peace in the Taiwan Strait or not. The central focus is China and his overall focus will likely be on managing global competition with China. Another key problem is the increasing relationship between China and Russia. Both nations have strong partnerships, especially after the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. This closeness between China and Russia is one of the biggest challenges for Biden’s foreign policy. His speech will likely reflect how the US plans to address these evolving global dynamics and maintain its leadership role.

The major focus of Joe Biden is always to form strong alliances. He draws a clear line between democracies and authoritarian regimes. His administration is always paying attention to global cooperation. His administration aims to form a strong team that resolves the global issues.  One of the US officials said that Biden’s approach is in contrast with some competitors. The people in opposition always act in a more selfish and transactional way. The main focus of the opponent is their interest. 

Summit on synthetic drug

This cooperative stance is also evident in Biden’s efforts to tackle the fentanyl crisis. On Tuesday, he will host a summit on synthetic drugs, with China being a key topic. China is the main source of fentanyl and its ingredients entering the United States. This highlights a significant issue in US-China relations, where cooperation is needed but difficult due to conflicting interests. Biden’s focus on global teamwork contrasts with China’s role in the ongoing drug crisis, showing the need for a broader, more unified global approach.

Last November in a California meeting, the leaders of both nations, Biden and Xi Jinping agreed to work together. However, with time, the US stepped back and said that China had not been performing as well as the US expected.

Because of this Joe Bide tried to implement a new strategy to solve the issues. It includes forming new alliances and collaborating with other nations. The action of the US hopes to encourage China to take action. A US State Department official Todd Robinson, said that the formation of this group is necessary to solve the supply chain complexities. The main purpose is to work together and ensure that Chin is also taking part in the solution. This highlights that the US gives importance to teamwork and promotes joining hands with other nations to solve global problems. 

In July 2023, the Biden administration established the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats. It is currently composed of 15 international organizations and 158 member nations. The partnership seeks to identify emerging risks, halt the development of synthetic pharmaceuticals, and promote public health initiatives. China has chosen not to participate in this project, nevertheless. 

A White House official recently highlighted a noteworthy accomplishment: fresh data shows that there has been a 10% decrease in drug overdose deaths, which had grown by more than 30% yearly before Biden took office. However, some criticize the UN for failing to handle important global concerns including poverty, climate change, and the crises in the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine. The injuries of over 1600 and 490 deaths showed the worst range of ongoing crises and bad behavior of world leaders.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations,  Antonio Guterres held a “summit of the future” for the UN’s 75th anniversary. The objective was to form a plan for the future. However, there were many problems complex to solve. Changes the members of UNSC often fail. Because the existing 5 members, China, France, Russia, Britain, and the United States, can veto them. This results in frustration and also hinders progress. 

Richard Gowan from the International Crisis Group said that the main focus of the media is vetoes and failures. There is a need for good news from the United Nations. It often fails to solve the global issues. It simply means that the UN should need to change its methodology to work. In this way, it can solve many global problems.  

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