Trump Signals Openness to Trilateral Summit with Xi and Putin Amid APEC Preparations

As the global diplomatic community turns its attention toward the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, a potential geopolitical shift is emerging. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a willingness to participate in a high-level trilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a rare prospect for the leaders of the world's three most powerful nations to convene formally.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Monday, October 19, President Trump confirmed his openness to the proposal. He indicated that such a summit would provide a critical platform to address pressing global issues, specifically focusing on nuclear weaponry and the complex path toward denuclearization. While the security architecture of the world remains a primary concern, Trump also noted that economic ties and trade agreements would likely be central to the discussions, provided that President Xi is amenable to the meeting.

According to reports from the Wall Street Journal, the impetus for this meeting originated from a telephone conversation between President Trump and President Putin on October 9. During that call, which reportedly included discussions on a diesel agreement, President Putin suggested that the three leaders meet during the APEC window scheduled for November 18 and 19. This diplomatic overture has since been corroborated by the Kremlin and U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, although the Chinese Foreign Ministry, via spokesperson Mao Ning, has remained cautious, stating that there is currently no official information to provide.

However, the prospect of a trilateral meeting without the inclusion of Ukraine has sparked immediate backlash from Kyiv. Ukrainian officials have criticized the potential summit, arguing that any agreement reached between Washington, Beijing, and Moscow without Ukraine's participation would only serve to embolden President Putin and prolong the ongoing conflict. President Trump, however, took a contrasting view, suggesting that the meeting would not be solely focused on the Ukrainian crisis. In a candid assessment, Trump remarked that Russia's performance in the conflict has been acceptable and leveled sharp criticism at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting that the current leadership in Kyiv has not been helpful and that it may be time for a new representative to handle Ukraine's negotiations.

From a geopolitical perspective, this potential summit represents a significant pivot in Trump's strategy to thaw relations with both Beijing and Moscow. While bilateral meetings between these leaders have occurred frequently, a formal trilateral summit would be an unprecedented event. Analysts suggest that such a move is a double-edged sword. On one hand, a successful agreement could drastically reduce global tensions, ending the most significant security threat to Europe in decades and establishing necessary constraints on the world's largest nuclear arsenals.

On the other hand, there are deep concerns within the U.S. alliance network. Many observers fear that Trump’s transactional approach to diplomacy could lead to private deals that undermine Washington's strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and across the Atlantic. Such a shift could signal a weakening of the U.S. commitment to its traditional allies in favor of a new 'Great Power' concert.

Interestingly, while Trump is open to meeting with Xi and Putin, he has downplayed the likelihood of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during the APEC summit. Despite their previous rapport, Trump noted that there has been no formal request for such a meeting. This stands in contrast to Pyongyang's recent rhetoric, as North Korea has explicitly rejected any negotiations aimed at convincing the regime to abandon its nuclear program.

With Trump confirmed to attend the Shenzhen summit, this trip will mark his second visit to China this year and his third meeting with President Xi in a short span, underscoring a period of intense diplomatic activity as the U.S. attempts to recalibrate its relationship with the East.