Embattled Biden welcomes Nato allies to summit in Washington

Leaders of military alliance, anxious about Trump’s possible return, seek reassurance

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US President Joe Biden welcomed the heads of Nato member states to Washington on July 9 for an annual summit that gives the embattled Democrat an international stage to convince allies at home and abroad he can still lead.

Mr Biden, 81, has vowed to press on in his race against Republican Donald Trump, 78, despite concern from Democrats on Capitol Hill and donors that he will lose the Nov 5 election after a halting debate performance on June 27.

Mr Biden made restoring the United States’ traditional alliances abroad to counter the threat of autocracies the centrepiece of his foreign policy after Trump challenged allies as part of an “America First” approach. Who wins in November could have a substantial impact on the future of Nato and Europe.

Trump has suggested that, given a second term, he would not defend Nato members that did not meet the alliance’s defence spending target of 2 per cent of their respective gross domestic product if they came under military attack. He has also questioned the amount of aid given to Ukraine in its battle against Russia’s invasion.

Aides said Mr Biden’s opening speech, expected at 5pm (July 10, 5am, Singapore time) will highlight what his office sees as a key accomplishment: a stronger and more united Nato, under Washington’s leadership, with more members and a resolve to meet their collective security needs.

That brings, they say, tangible results for American voters: a safer country, with a strong international economic position, more alliances and power abroad and less at risk of conflict with its adversaries.