Biden visits South America as U.S. influence wanes against China

President Biden is set to visit South America for what may be his final diplomatic trip. He will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima, Peru, where he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. This meeting could be their last as heads of state. Biden's trip highlights a shift in U.S. influence in the region, which has been increasingly overshadowed by China. While the U.S. still has more trade agreements, China has expanded its presence through investments in infrastructure and resources in South America. The U.S. focus has shifted from political stability to issues like illegal immigration and narcotics. This change has allowed China to fill gaps left by the U.S., as countries like Uruguay and Ecuador seek trade agreements with China after stalled negotiations with the U.S.