Possible Trump-Putin-Xi meeting in China: Beijing confirms contact on talks at Shenzhen summit
The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning. (Image courtesy: China foreign ministry)
New Delhi: A meeting between the United States president, Donald Trump; the Russian president, Vladimir Putin; and the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, is being discussed on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, on November 18-19. If it goes ahead, it would bring Trump and Putin face to face for the first time since their recent agreement on Russian diesel supplies and Washington’s decision to ease sanctions on Moscow.
The Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning, confirmed the discussions at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday. “China is in communication with relevant parties regarding a meeting between the three heads of state,” she said.
Neither Washington nor Moscow has formally confirmed the proposed meeting. Its format and agenda have also not been announced.
Trump-Putin diesel arrangement
The proposed meeting comes after Trump announced a diesel supply arrangement with Putin on October 9. Under it, Russia would supply diesel to the US and global markets, while Washington temporarily eased sanctions on Russian diesel exports.
On October 16, Trump also waived key Russia-related sanctions and tariffs under the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, days before the measures were due to take effect. The White House said the waiver was in the national interest of the US.
Sun Yun, director of the China programme at the Stimson Center, said the three leaders may not reach substantive agreements because their interests remain at odds. “I think it will happen. The question is the format and the content. China wants the image but not the costs,” she said, according to a report by the Associated Press.
Trump-Xi meeting and trade discussions
Trump is also expected to hold separate talks with Xi during the summit. It would be their third meeting this year, with trade relations, agricultural purchases and access to rare earth supplies among the expected topics.
Before the summit, the Chinese vice-premier, He Lifeng, held a video call on Friday with the US treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, and the US trade representative, Jamieson Greer. The two sides discussed implementing agreements reached during earlier meetings between Trump and Xi, while China raised concerns over recent US trade restrictions, Xinhua reported.
APEC summit in China
The 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting will take place in Shenzhen on November 18-19. The forum has 21 member economies, including China, the US, Russia, Japan, Australia and other Asia-Pacific economies.
APEC focuses on regional trade, investment and economic cooperation. China’s theme for this year’s summit is “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together”, with discussions expected to cover trade, innovation, digital transformation and supply-chain cooperation.
