**Biden Faces Questions on Trump's Return During APEC Summit**

LIMA, Peru - Despite being 3,000 miles away from the White House, President Joe Biden couldn't avoid questions about former President Donald Trump potentially returning to power. During a meeting on Friday with Japanese and South Korean leaders, held in a small conference room, Biden sidestepped reporters' inquiries regarding discussions at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit about a possible second Trump administration.

In his opening remarks, Biden stated, "This is likely to be my last trilateral meeting with this important group, but I'm proud to have helped build this partnership. I think it's built to last." Later, while meeting with the Peruvian president, Biden responded to another reporter's question about Trump's succession with a tight-lipped smile.

Biden's visit to Lima began Thursday evening, shortly after Trump's election win. Amidst the backdrop of Trump's reelection, Biden aims for his trip to be the pinnacle of his extensive foreign policy career. However, Trump's victory hovers like a shadow, potentially undermining Biden's efforts to strengthen U.S. alliances and stabilize the shifting global landscape.

Leaders at the summits in Lima and Rio de Janeiro are expected to address ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and eastern Europe, as well as tackle climate change - a focus Biden will highlight during a brief visit to the Amazon rainforest. Additionally, Biden is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping before leaving Lima on Saturday.

Despite warnings about Trump posing a unique threat to American democracy, Biden has maintained a calm demeanor since the election. In a Rose Garden speech two days post-election, Biden reassured Americans that "the American experiment endures," emphasizing the importance of a peaceful power transition - something Trump denied him four years ago. Biden even hosted Trump for a two-hour Oval Office meeting just before leaving for APEC.

Throughout the week, Trump has dominated news with various personnel appointments, leading to mixed reactions from American allies. Senior Biden administration officials at APEC have been fielding questions about Trump's influence in Biden's closed-door meetings but have downplayed concerns, stating that Trump's name has not surfaced in these discussions.

Following Biden's discussions with Japanese and South Korean leaders, a senior administration official acknowledged that Trump's name did not come up, with the focus remaining on current and near-future collaborations. Another official, discussing Biden's meeting with the Peruvian president, confirmed that Trump's potential return was not a central topic, reiterating Biden's emphasis on democracy and strong democratic institutions.

In summary, while Trump's reelection has created a backdrop of uncertainty, Biden and his administration strive to focus on current issues and maintain stable relations with global counterparts at the APEC summit.