China confirms talks about possible meeting of Trump, Putin and Xi

China has confirmed that discussions are underway about organizing a meeting that would bring together US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. If held, the gathering would be a historic summit of the three leaders amid heightened geopolitical tensions and several ongoing wars.

Spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing is communicating with the interested parties about the possibility that the three presidents could meet during November. So far there is no final agreement to hold the meeting and no official agenda has been announced.

According to diplomatic sources and analysts, the talks envisage the meeting taking place on the sidelines of the APEC summit in the Chinese city of Shenzhen. Both the timing and format remain to be decided.

Leaders' priorities diverge

President Trump has already signalled interest in talks with Putin and Xi, with a particular focus on nuclear arms control. President Putin, for his part, wants the war in Ukraine to be central to any discussion.

Diplomatic sources and analysts say Moscow sees an opportunity in such a meeting to strengthen its diplomatic position, while Beijing aims to maintain balanced relations with Washington and Moscow. Observers warn the three powers have sharply different interests on issues such as Ukraine, Iran and nuclear weapons, so the encounter would likely carry more symbolic than immediate policy outcomes.

The possibility of the meeting comes as the United States and China work to preserve a fragile trade deal that is due to expire in January. US Trade Representative Jamison Greer on Friday urged Chinese authorities to fully meet their commitments on agricultural purchases and the supply of rare earths and other critical minerals, while the Chinese side has voiced concerns about US trade restrictions.

Photo: press material from the event