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U.S., China, and Russia can’t agree on format for leaders’ meeting, WSJ reports. Beijing wants scripted statements and no nuclear arms talks.
The United States, China and Russia have tentatively agreed to a leaders’ meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in China on 18–19 November, but Washington and Beijing disagree over its format and agenda. China wants a tightly scripted session with prepared statements and little discussion, while the Trump administration favours a freer exchange.
Beijing says it could discuss Ukraine and other major issues in a scripted format, but would prefer separate bilateral meetings if the summit is not arranged that way. China is also unwilling to take part if nuclear arms control is on the agenda, which US President Donald Trump wants to raise. Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed the meeting to Trump on 9 October; the three countries hold the world’s largest nuclear arsenals.
In short
- Three leaders have tentatively agreed to meet in China.
- Beijing wants prepared statements and limited discussion.
- China opposes including nuclear arms control talks.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A scripted meeting could make it easier for leaders with deep disagreements to attend, keep the discussion focused and reduce the risk that an improvised exchange derails diplomacy. China may also see separate bilateral meetings as a more practical way to address issues such as Ukraine, while declining nuclear arms talks it considers unsuitable for this forum or format.
The case against
A freer exchange could give the leaders a chance to address difficult issues directly, test whether there is room for agreement and respond to one another rather than simply deliver prepared statements. With the three countries holding the largest nuclear arsenals, excluding arms control could mean missing a rare opportunity to discuss risks that affect all of them.
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