U.S. President Joe Biden held talks with the leaders of Japan and South Korea on Friday, aiming to solidify diplomatic achievements ahead of a potential Trump administration that could disrupt global alliances.

Axar.az reports that, citing Reuters, the meeting with two of Washington’s closest Asian allies took place amid expectations of heightened U.S.-China tensions following Donald Trump’s January 20 inauguration, given his pledges to impose steep tariffs that could significantly impact China’s economy.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Lima, Peru, marked the first in-person gathering of U.S. President Joe Biden, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who took office in October.

Biden said “I truly believe the cooperation of our countries will be the foundation to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific for many years to come.”