Beijing has confirmed that discussions are underway for a potential historic meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, stated that China is "in communication with relevant parties regarding a meeting between the three heads of state."
If it materializes, the trilateral gathering could take place this month on the sidelines of a regional summit in Shenzhen, China, hosted by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. However, experts suggest that while the meeting might occur for symbolic purposes, substantial agreements are unlikely due to diverging interests.
"China wants the image but not the costs," said Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center. She noted that China would manage any potential Russian attempts to leverage the meeting to advance its positions on global issues.
Trump is expected to attend the APEC summit and has previously expressed interest in meeting Xi, with whom he maintained a trade truce that is set to expire in January. Recent trade discussions between the U.S. and China have highlighted persistent tensions, with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer urging Beijing to take "concrete actions to fully implement its past commitments, particularly as they relate to agricultural purchases, rare earths, and other critical minerals."
China, in turn, has voiced concerns about U.S. trade restrictions. The foreign ministry stated that both sides had "in-depth and constructive exchanges" during a recent call, with China expressing its grievances.
While Trump has indicated a willingness to discuss nuclear arms control, Putin's focus is reportedly on the war in Ukraine, with an apparent desire to exclude Kyiv from any discussions. Analysts suggest Russia is pushing for the meeting as a diplomatic opportunity.
"The spectacle may be historic without producing anything particularly consequential," said Craig Singleton, senior director of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He characterized such events as photo opportunities with diminishing diplomatic returns. China's primary objective is likely to manage perceptions and avoid any implication of the three powers dividing the world.