WASHINGTON, Dec 14 Reuters When President Joe Biden speaks to African leaders in Washington on Wednesday, expect to hear about support for democracy, economic development and new financial commitments for a region that in recent years has taken a backseat to other U.S. priorities.

But there will be another, likely unspoken message The United States is a better partner for Africa than China.

Delegations from 49 countries and the African Union, including 45 African national leaders, are attending the threeday summit, which began on Tuesday, the first of its kind since 2014, where Washington will also tout its support for food security and climate change.

It39;s part of a renewed push to boost ties with a continent where U.S. interests have been challenged by China39;s security ambitions and trade, investment and lending drives. By contrast, Beijing has held its own highlevel meetings with Africa every three years for more than two decades.

While SinoU.S. competition is a clear backdrop, U.S. officials have been reluctant to frame the gathering as a battle for influence. Washington has toned down its criticism of Beijing39;s lending practices and infrastructure projects amid calls from some African leaders for more U.S. leadership.

To that end, Biden is expected to announce his support for the African Union39;s joining the G20 group of the world39;s largest economies as a permanent member.

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai told African counterparts on Tuesday she…