In a move that could reshape global diplomacy, U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet for a historic trilateral discussion during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, next week. This unprecedented gathering will bring together the leaders of the world’s three major nuclear powers to discuss pivotal issues such as the ongoing conflict in Iran and nuclear weapons stockpiles.
The White House has confirmed the meeting, highlighting its potential focus on President Trump’s proposal for a new nuclear arms agreement involving the three countries. This comes after the expiration of the New START treaty between the United States and Russia in February 2026, which had previously placed restrictions on the two nations’ nuclear arsenals. While Washington is keen on including China in a new treaty, Beijing has shown little interest, given its significantly smaller arsenal of approximately 600 nuclear warheads compared to the estimated 5,000 held by each of the U.S. and Russia.
The meeting is also set against the backdrop of increased strategic cooperation between Beijing and Moscow. Since the Ukraine war began in 2022, China has deepened its economic ties with Russia, including the purchase of energy resources and technological components. Meanwhile, Russia has consistently supported China’s stance on Taiwan, further solidifying their partnership.
However, the proposed summit raises concerns, particularly for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed apprehension that discussions might occur about the Ukraine conflict without Kyiv’s involvement. Despite these concerns, Trump has indicated that Ukraine will not be at the forefront of the trilateral talks.
Beyond immediate geopolitical issues, the meeting could potentially enhance China’s influence on the international stage and offer Russia an opportunity to assert itself as a key global player. However, analysts suggest that convening these leaders could complicate China’s objectives of promoting multilateral cooperation and free trade at the APEC summit, as the symbolic nature of the discussions may overshadow substantial policy outcomes.