This week, Mr. Biden is steering American involvement in two overseas wars and monitoring the continuing calamity of a speakerless House of Representatives, and there is another government shutdown crisis looming next month. John F. Kirby, a White House spokesman, played down the idea that global crises could distract Mr. Biden from his visitor, or perhaps even keep him waiting. During Mr. Biden and Mr. Albanese’s time together, which includes a news conference scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, they are expected to emphasize their shared interests. Mr. Biden’s advisers say the administration is supportive of the meeting between Mr. Albanese and Mr. Xi. Mr. Biden and Mr. Albanese are also likely to touch on the dysfunction in Congress.

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Persons: Biden, Anthony Albanese, John F, Kirby, Mr, “, ” Mr, ”, Jill Biden, ” Dr, Bruce Jones, Albanese’s, Donald J, Trump, Scott Morrison, Morrison, Albanese, Xi Jinping, Jones, Xi Organizations: Representatives, U.S . Marine, Army and Air Force, China, Center for East Asia Policy, Brookings Institution, East Locations: Australia, United States, Washington, China, Georgia, Britain, Papua New Guinea, Israel, ”, American, Hormuz