President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia convened on Saturday during the G7 summit in Hiroshima. Their objective is to counter China’s expansion in the Indo-Pacific region, notably through the Quad partnership involving the United States, Australia, Japan, and India. Originally planned for a gathering in Sydney, the Quad members rearranged their schedule to meet on the sidelines of the G7.

This alteration allows Biden to return to Washington earlier on Sunday to finalize a deal on increasing the debt ceiling before the U.S. faces potential financial challenges. The shortened trip highlights a persistent dilemma in Biden’s presidency: despite his efforts to demonstrate the U.S.’s reclaiming of global leadership, domestic issues often interfere at critical junctures. During the summit, Biden has opted for a low-key approach, refraining from significant public declarations and departing the leader dinner early.

Instead, he remains informed of debt limit negotiations through a video monitor in his hotel suite. While the visit to Australia was canceled, Biden plans to reschedule and extend an invitation to Albanese for a state visit in Washington. Both leaders signed an agreement to strengthen their collaboration in the development of clean energy technologies and decrease reliance on China for essential raw materials. Additionally, they issued a joint statement outlining expanded cooperation in space, trade, and defense.