President Joe Biden’s placement in the back corner of the 2024 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) family photo marked a notable change from the traditionally prominent position held by U.S. leaders. The photo was taken during the APEC summit on Saturday in Lima, Peru, hosted by President Dina Boluarte, Fox News reported.

The image placed Chinese Premier Xi Jinping front and center, alongside Boluarte. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stood to Xi’s right, while Biden was captured at the edge, interacting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

This marked a departure from last year’s APEC photo in San Francisco, where Biden stood in the center next to Xi and Trudeau.

The summit came on the heels of the U.S. presidential election, where Vice President Kamala Harris lost to former President Donald Trump. Biden has since begun coordinating the transition of power, meeting with Trump earlier in the week to discuss the process.

Biden Focuses On Diplomacy Despite Photo Placement

While Biden’s position in the group photo drew attention, he maintained an active schedule at the summit. Over the weekend, he engaged in closed-door meetings with leaders including Boluarte and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. These discussions reportedly centered on trade, security, and climate cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Despite standing at the edge of the group photo, Biden appeared at ease. He was seen smiling and engaging with leaders from Malaysia and Thailand during the photo session.

The moment contrasted with past years, such as in 2017, when then-President Trump stood near the center of the APEC family photo alongside Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

This year’s summit also reflected a shift in leadership dynamics as Xi took center stage, underscoring China’s growing influence in the region. Boluarte’s hosting of the event highlighted Peru’s commitment to fostering economic ties across the Pacific.

Transition Talks Underscore Summit’s Timing

The timing of the APEC summit coincided with significant political developments in the United States. Two weeks prior, Harris faced an unexpected defeat in the 2024 election, leading Biden to initiate the transition process with President-elect Trump.

In their recent meeting, Biden emphasized the importance of a seamless transfer of power, stating, “I look forward… to having a smooth transition. We'll do everything we can to make sure you're accommodated, what you need.”

Trump echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the cooperation. “I appreciate very much the transition that's so smooth. It will be as smooth as it can get, and I very much appreciate that,” he said.

The peaceful transition of power remains a hallmark of American democracy, and the exchange between Biden and Trump aimed to reassure both domestic and international audiences of its continuity.

Historical Comparisons Highlight Photo Shift

Biden’s positioning in the APEC family photo has drawn comparisons to previous years. In 2023, his central placement reflected the United States’ leadership role in global affairs. By contrast, his back-corner position this year has sparked speculation about shifting power dynamics, both domestically and internationally.

Observers have noted the symbolic significance of Xi standing at the forefront of the photo, underscoring China’s prominence in the APEC forum. Meanwhile, Trudeau and Albanese’s positions flanking Xi reinforced their roles as key regional allies.

While Biden’s placement may have appeared unusual, his interactions with other leaders demonstrated his continued focus on fostering international cooperation. As his administration prepares for its transition, Biden’s diplomatic engagement remains central to his foreign policy legacy.

APEC Summit Reflects Broader Trends

The 2024 APEC summit served as a platform for addressing critical issues facing the region, from economic recovery to climate change. Boluarte’s leadership in hosting the event highlighted Peru’s active role in regional diplomacy.

As leaders gathered for discussions, the photo moment provided a visual representation of the evolving dynamics within the Asia-Pacific bloc. Xi’s central position underscored China’s growing clout, while Biden’s placement reflected the transition underway in U.S. leadership.

Despite the focus on the photo, the summit’s outcomes emphasized collaboration. Leaders committed to advancing shared goals, reaffirming the importance of APEC as a forum for dialogue and progress.