President Barack Obama has turned to the international stage, particularly in this week's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in China, in an effort to shed the "lame-duck" label he was tagged following a Republican win for control of both chambers of Congress earlier this month.

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Hours after arriving in Beijing on Monday, Obama sought recognition for the release of two U.S. nationals detained in North Korea and defended his administration's call to send additional military advisers to Iraq.

He also pledged to expand West-Asia trade relations and unilaterally lengthened visas for students, businessmen and tourists.

As with most presidents who turn to the global arena toward the latter part of their terms, Obama has looked to do the same where he is bound to find more influence in the wake of his diminished role in domestic politics, the Los Angeles Times noted.

Obama began his campaign in Beijing on Monday when he spoke in support of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. He said that even as ties remain shaky between U.S. and China, he would not hesitate to promote American values if the situation calls for him to do so.

While we don't expect Beijing to ascribe to every American model there is, we're still going to have concerns about human rights, he said.

Another agenda on Obama's list is the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, which aides said failed to reach an accord on Monday, although TPP-member countries - including Japan and Malaysia, but excluding China - have expressed hope that a settlement would be reached soon.

Observers predict the TPP's success would boost Obama's standing with the GOP, which has tended to lean more in favor of trade deals than the Democrats.

For his part, Chinese President Xi Jinping is hoping the APEC summit would strengthen his foothold not just locally but on an international level as well.

China is well-aware that Obama's remaining two-year term could be hampered by a Republican-held Congress.

Some analysts speculate the difference in term-length with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is expected to hold office until 2023, could result in the disconnect of priorities.

America's current president is "not so strong" compared to China's, said Renmin University Institute of International Affairs director Wang Yiwei.

While the U.S. is more focused on current regional and global challenges owing to Obama's remaining years in power, the Chinese side is more intent on future development, Wang said.

In light of China's rising global economic clout, it raises the question of whether Obama can bring back the U.S.' strategic leadership in Asia, particularly in the trade, investment and economic sectors, said former U.S. federal official David Dollar.

TagsAPEC summit, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Barack Obama, Republican, Congress, politics, Trans-Pacific Partnership, China-U.S. relations