Potential three-way summit between US, China, and Russia under discussion

If realized, this would mark the first-ever meeting of its kind, occurring as Trump seeks to improve relations with both Beijing and Moscow. Such a meeting could raise concerns across Europe and Asia regarding potential private agreements that might undermine Washington’s alliances.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Tuesday that there is a “general understanding” that such a meeting would be “appropriate and highly useful.” Trump previously expressed openness to discussions on arms control and trade with Xi and Putin, suggesting a potential focus on nuclear weapons and denuclearization on October 19.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute indicates that Russia possesses the largest stockpile of nuclear warheads, followed by the United States and China.

The White House has been considering a denuclearization-focused meeting on the sidelines of the Apec summit, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. According to the Wall Street Journal, Putin has proposed using the meeting to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine, potentially benefiting Moscow’s interests.

The agenda for any potential talks remains unclear. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier reported that Xi appeared uncertain when questioned about the trilateral summit during a recent meeting in China. Another source indicated that Moscow doesn’t anticipate substantial discussions on Ukraine, believing China prefers to claim credit for a peace settlement after it’s already in progress. The Kremlin has also suggested that Europe should be involved in any peace negotiations for Ukraine.

Putin recently suggested a meeting with Trump in China during a conversation with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg, also proposing a restoration of economic cooperation between Moscow and Washington. Trump has taken steps to improve relations with Putin, including a recent diesel-fuel deal and a sanctions waiver. He has also prioritized stable relations with Xi, who maintains close ties with Putin. Trump has confirmed his attendance at the APEC summit in Shenzhen, representing his second trip to China this year and his third meeting with Xi in recent times. All three nations – China, Russia, and the United States – are members of APEC.