Biden speaks to leaders of Japan, South Korea, Australia

President-elect Joe Biden has reportedly spoken with several key foreign leaders in recent days, despite President Trump’s refusal to concede the election and his administration’s efforts to hinder the transition. 

Biden spoke with the leaders of Japan, South Korea and Australia, according to Reuters, and pledged to work with and improve diplomatic ties. 

“President-elect Biden said that he looks forward to strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance and working together on achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told the news service. 

The president-elect has received congratulations on an election victory from leaders around the world in recent days, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a close ally of Trump. 

Asked on Tuesday what he has been saying to world leaders when he speaks to them, Biden told reporters: “I’m letting them know that America is back. We’re going to be back in the game.”

Trump, meanwhile, is alleging without evidence that widespread voter fraud led to an “illegal” and illegitimate contest.   

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo turned heads on Wednesday when he too declined to acknowledge Biden as the next president. 

“There will be a smooth transmission to a second Trump administration,” Pompeo said, later adding: “We’re ready. The world is watching what’s taking place. We’re going to count all the votes. There is a process.” 

CNN also reported on Wednesday top State Department staff won’t give Biden a bevy of messages from foreign leaders, another sign the current administration is impeding the transition process. 

Biden has said the Trump administration’s refusal to cooperate with the transition process does not affect his plans for assuming the presidency. 

The former vice president has pledged to reinvest in NATO, renegotiate the Iran nuclear deal and thaw trade talks with China in the foreign policy arena.