…By Larry John for TDPel Media. British and American marching bands played national anthems, setting the patriotic tone at a Major League Baseball game in Washington.
As military jets flew overhead, the stadium buzzed with excitement.
Rishi Sunak, the guest of honour, made his way to the center of the field.
However, to the disappointment of some, he declined the opportunity to throw the first ceremonial pitch, passing it to a British army officer instead.
Fortunately, this baseball game was not a test of statesmanship but rather a coincidence, as Sunak’s visit to the US happened to coincide with the US-UK Friendship day.
Although Sunak, a cricket enthusiast, could have showcased his sporting prowess, he opted to abstain.
Officials hoped his decision wouldn’t become a metaphor for the entire trip.
Away from the baseball field, Sunak’s visit to Washington has been successful.
Unlike the past, when President Biden mispronounced his name, Sunak is now favorably regarded by the Biden administration.
He has been instrumental in restoring stability to the “special relationship” between the UK and the US.
Sunak’s stay at the prestigious Blair House, known as the “world’s most exclusive hotel,” symbolizes the positive rapport between the two nations.
The US media, acknowledging the importance of this ally in Ukraine, have treated Sunak with relative respect.
On a personal level, Sunak and President Biden seem to be meeting frequently.
Over the past few months, they have crossed paths on various occasions, including commemorating the Good Friday Agreement in Belfast, discussing the Aukus submarine deal in San Diego, and attending the G7 summit in Hiroshima.
Their meetings have made it easier to promote the UK’s economic, political, and military relevance to a skeptical US administration that no longer considers post-Brexit Britain as the primary gateway to the European Union.
However, Sunak faces challenges.
In the eyes of the American public, Boris Johnson is viewed as a charismatic figure, while Liz Truss is remembered for a comedic incident involving lettuce.
With three different prime ministers within a year and polls indicating potential victory for the Labour Party, some Americans see Sunak as a transitional leader.
Despite being well-suited to American culture and respected for his realistic approach, Sunak’s position may be undermined by the possibility of a different government in the future.
There is a sense among some that investing too much in the current administration may not yield long-term benefits.
However, Sunak’s admiration for the US, his Stanford University education, and his background in Silicon Valley make him an ideal representative for economic and technological cooperation between the UK and the US.
During his visit, Sunak aims to achieve specific goals.
One notable success is the agreement to host a global summit on artificial intelligence in London later this year.
Sunak hopes to establish London as a global technology hub by setting up an international regulatory body on AI.
The summit marks a significant step toward this objective, although it remains uncertain whether Britain will eventually host the regulatory organization.
Sunak and President Biden have also been finalizing a series of narrow trade agreements that emphasize the security benefits of economic cooperation.
Sunak has advocated for exemptions from certain “protectionist” provisions in Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, particularly regarding green subsidies.
Access to “clean vehicle tax credits” and securing critical minerals would bolster British industries and reduce dependence on potentially adversarial countries like China.
While Sunak’s achievements and productive meetings with US leaders are commendable, there is a sense that he is playing catch-up and struggling to keep pace with significant events.
Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, recently visited Washington, promoting a concept called “securonomics,” which aligns closely with Bidenomics on green subsidies and investment.
Adding to the challenges, the EU and the US recently held a Trade and Technology Council meeting, discussing trade, AI, climate change, and the importance of securing critical minerals.
Meanwhile, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Fredericksen met with President Biden, raising speculation about the first woman to lead NATO.
Although Wallace is viewed favorably in Washington, Fredericksen’s commitment to increased investment and support for Ukraine positions her as a formidable competitor.
Seen in this light, Sunak’s visit to Washington aims to ensure that Britain remains relevant and doesn’t fall behind.
As he strives to make progress on his three-pronged “grand plan” regarding AI regulation, economic cooperation, and the Nato secretary-generalship, Sunak faces both challenges and opportunities in strengthening UK-US relations.
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