Biden, on a First Trip to Asia, Tries to Refocus on China Amid Ukraine War

WASHINGTON—President Biden heads to Asia this week for the first time since taking office, as he tries to refocus attention on a top foreign-policy priority of countering China—a task that has been overshadowed by the war in Ukraine.

On the trip, which starts Thursday, Mr. Biden will visit Japan and South Korea, close allies that have sought greater American engagement in the region. Mr. Biden will also shore up a partnership with Australia and India and formally unveil an economic initiative designed to bolster trade and investment with the region, though some allies and partners have given the plan mixed reviews for lacking specifics and not widening access to U.S. markets.