Trump Open to Meeting Xi and Putin in China
Possible Diplomatic Meeting
Trump indicated that he was open to meeting the Chinese and Russian leaders during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit scheduled for November 18–19.
The proposed meeting could provide an opportunity to discuss nuclear arms control, denuclearisation and trade, although its final arrangements and agenda remain uncertain.
The prospect of a three-way meeting comes at a time when relations between Washington, Beijing and Moscow remain complicated by competing strategic interests, economic disagreements and the war in Ukraine.
Nuclear Arms Control
Nuclear security is expected to be a major issue if the meeting takes place. The expiration of the New START nuclear arms treaty has added urgency to discussions about maintaining safeguards against a potential escalation in strategic weapons competition.
China has previously argued that it should not be expected to participate in trilateral disarmament arrangements on equal terms with the United States and Russia because its nuclear capabilities differ significantly from those of the two countries.
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Ukraine Remains a Concern
The war in Ukraine could also influence the diplomatic discussions. Trump has recently suggested that Kyiv should consider appointing a different negotiator, while Ukraine’s leadership has criticised US decisions affecting its security interests.
However, Trump has indicated that Ukraine would not necessarily be the main focus of the proposed meeting.
Whether the three leaders meet remains uncertain, but any direct engagement could have implications for international security, arms control and relations among major powers.
