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China in contact with US, Russia on possible leaders’ meeting
China said it is discussing a possible meeting between the Chinese, US and Russian leaders during this month’s APEC gathering in Shenzhen. If it takes place, it would be the first three-way summit involving Xi Jinping, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, with potential implications for diplomacy and perceptions of global influence.
The meeting is being considered for 18 or 19 November. The Kremlin said in October that preparations were under way; Xi and Trump have met twice this year and are due to meet again at a G20 summit in December, while Xi and Putin last met in May. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that such a summit could resemble the 1945 Yalta Conference and give Russia a diplomatic advantage.
In short
- China is discussing a possible Xi, Trump and Putin meeting at APEC.
- The proposed summit would be their first three-way meeting.
- Zelenskyy warned against a deal that redistributes influence.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A three-way meeting could give Xi, Trump and Putin a direct channel to discuss tensions and reduce the risk of miscalculation among major powers. Supporters could argue that diplomacy is useful even when interests diverge, and that including all three leaders may help address wider security issues rather than leave them to escalate through confrontation.
The case against
A summit could confer legitimacy and prestige on Russia while it continues its war against Ukraine, and risk creating the impression that decisions about Ukraine can be made over Ukrainians’ heads. Critics could also fear that the leaders’ competing interests would turn the meeting into a display of influence rather than produce meaningful de-escalation.
Explained simply
APEC is a forum where countries around the Pacific discuss economic cooperation. This month’s gathering is due to take place in Shenzhen, China, and could bring the leaders of China, the United States and Russia together.
The key figures are China’s Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Xi and Trump have met twice this year, while Xi and Putin last met in May; Trump and Xi are also due to meet at a G20 gathering in December.
A meeting among all three would bring major powers into the same diplomatic discussion at a time of international tension, including over Russia’s war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has compared the possibility to the 1945 Yalta Conference, where Allied leaders discussed Europe’s post-war order, and warned it could benefit Russia diplomatically.
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