The foreign policy advantages of candidates Biden and Trump

The wars in the Middle East and Europe, as well as the rivalry of the United States with China, remain the main issues of American diplomacy, regardless of who will be the winner of the presidential election in November. VOA White House Correspondent Patsy Widakuswara takes a look at the foreign policy priorities of the two candidates, Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

In 2025, a permanent ceasefire in Gaza may not be achieved. The Russian offensive against Ukraine may continue. While China still poses a threat. These challenges remain regardless of who wins the presidency, Joe Biden or Donald Trump. Even in President Biden's second term in the White House, foreign policy will focus on the same priorities - global leadership and multilateralism.

"The United States will continue strong efforts to lead with our values ​​and strength. We will stand up for our allies and friends," says President Biden.

The administration believes that another area should be in the center of attention.

"A major initiative with Congress to deliver on the promise of unlocking resources for the developing world," said Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor.

That means more American investment in debt relief programs, reforming international development finance institutions, and infrastructure projects around the world.

This is in response to China's global development initiatives, which support various projects around the world, such as the Lobito Corridor linking Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola.

"Not only can we build the transport capacity that enables our commitment to the clean energy supply chain, but we can also unlock Africa's vast agricultural opportunities, bringing goods to market and also helping digital transformation in that area," Mr. Sullivan said.

If Republican Trump wins, international development will not be in the spotlight.

"We will make America richer, safer, stronger, prouder

new and more beautiful than ever before. We have one last chance for this," says Mr. Trump.

Although Mr. Trump's catchphrase is "America first," that doesn't mean his foreign policy is one of isolation.

"Nationalist economic policy, yes; nothing comes for free, of course, but I think the most interesting part of his foreign policy is the different use of the tools of American power," says Rachel Rizzo of the Atlantic Council.

Unwavering support for Israel, conditional aid for Ukraine and strong rivalry with China. These are the foreign policy priorities in the second term proposed by the institute associated with Mr. Trump, that of the "America First" policy program.

"These are three areas that any future America First administration must address, putting the 'peace through strength' approach to the test," says Chad Wolf of the institute.

However, foreign policy is not expected to be decisive in the November elections. Polls show that most Americans are more concerned about inflation, the economy, immigration and crime than about the United States' foreign engagements./VOA