In the closing days of his presidency, Joe Biden has made significant foreign policy decisions aimed at reshaping U.S. relations with Cuba and enhancing strategic alliances in the Asia-Pacific region. These late-stage actions address two key areas of U.S. international relations: engaging with longstanding adversaries and strengthening regional partnerships to counterbalance China’s growing influence.
Cuba Removed from State Sponsor of Terrorism List
A Diplomatic Breakthrough
One of Biden’s major decisions involves removing Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. This move reverses actions taken by the Trump administration, which tightened U.S. policies toward Cuba. By taking this step, Biden aims to signal a renewed willingness to engage with the island nation diplomatically.
In return, Cuba has agreed to release 553 political prisoners, a significant concession brokered with the assistance of the Catholic Church. Senior Biden administration officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed the agreement, which is intended to ease tensions between the two nations and lay the groundwork for future cooperation.
Challenges Ahead
Despite Biden’s efforts, the incoming Trump administration has the authority to reverse this decision. President-elect Trump’s Secretary of State nominee, Marco Rubio—a staunch critic of the Cuban government and the son of Cuban immigrants who fled the country—has called for more sanctions against Cuba. This ideological divide underscores the uncertainty surrounding the long-term impact of Biden’s Cuba policy.
Strengthening Alliances in the Asia-Pacific
Three Strategic Agreements
Biden has also sought to solidify U.S. influence in the Asia-Pacific by sending Congress three key agreements for approval. These deals, involving Thailand, Palau, and the Marshall Islands, aim to enhance the United States’ strategic foothold in a region where China’s influence is expanding rapidly.
- Thailand: A 30-Year Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
- The deal with Thailand focuses on sharing unclassified nuclear technology and equipment to aid the nation in developing its energy capabilities.
- By fostering closer ties with Thailand, the U.S. hopes to bolster a regional partner’s capacity while countering China’s economic and technological outreach.
- Palau and Marshall Islands: Free Association Agreements
- The agreements with Palau and the Marshall Islands reaffirm the U.S. commitment to providing critical services, such as disaster relief and postal infrastructure, in exchange for maintaining a U.S. military presence in these strategically located nations.
- These partnerships play a crucial role in the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, ensuring access to key territories and resources that are vital for defense and security.
Addressing China’s Influence
The agreements reflect a broader U.S. strategy to counter China’s assertiveness in the region. Beijing has made significant investments in infrastructure and development projects across Asia-Pacific nations, often leveraging these relationships to expand its geopolitical influence. Biden’s actions are a direct response to this challenge, reinforcing alliances with countries that could serve as counterweights to China’s ambitions.
Implications of Biden’s Policy Decisions
Cuba: A Shift Toward Engagement
Biden’s decision to ease tensions with Cuba marks a return to the Obama-era approach of fostering dialogue and cooperation. However, this move is not without risks. Critics argue that lifting sanctions and engaging with Cuba could embolden its government without guaranteeing meaningful reforms or improvements in human rights.
The incoming Trump administration’s stance further complicates the situation. With Rubio advocating for harsher measures, the future of U.S.-Cuba relations remains uncertain.
Asia-Pacific: Solidifying U.S. Presence
The agreements with Thailand, Palau, and the Marshall Islands demonstrate Biden’s commitment to strengthening the U.S. presence in the Asia-Pacific. These partnerships are essential for maintaining a balance of power in the region, particularly as China continues to expand its reach through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative.
While the Trump administration has not indicated opposition to these deals, the effectiveness of these agreements will depend on their implementation and the U.S.’s ability to sustain its commitments amid domestic and international challenges.
Bipartisan Continuity in U.S. Foreign Policy
One notable aspect of Biden’s late-stage actions is the potential for bipartisan agreement on certain issues. Both the outgoing and incoming administrations recognize the strategic importance of countering China’s influence in the Asia-Pacific. As such, the agreements with Thailand, Palau, and the Marshall Islands may see continued support, providing a rare instance of continuity in U.S. foreign policy.
However, the same cannot be said for Cuba. The stark ideological differences between Biden and Trump on how to approach the Cuban government suggest a likely rollback of Biden’s initiatives under the new administration.
Conclusion: A Complex Foreign Policy Legacy
Joe Biden’s final foreign policy moves underscore his administration’s commitment to diplomacy and strategic engagement. From attempting to mend relations with Cuba to reinforcing alliances in the Asia-Pacific, these decisions reflect a nuanced approach to addressing both longstanding challenges and emerging threats.
As Biden prepares to leave office, the fate of these initiatives now rests with the incoming administration. While the agreements with Asia-Pacific nations may endure due to their strategic importance, the future of U.S.-Cuba relations remains uncertain, highlighting the complexities of sustaining long-term foreign policy goals amid changing political leadership.
Biden’s actions, whether enduring or temporary, serve as a reminder of the critical role that diplomacy and international collaboration play in addressing global challenges. His late-stage efforts may shape U.S. foreign policy for years to come, leaving a legacy of both hope and uncertainty.
