Diplomatic activity has intensified in China over a possible trilateral meeting between US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting could take place during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in Shenzhen on November 18 and 19. However, its date, format and agenda have not yet received final approval.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed on November 4 that talks were continuing with the relevant parties over a possible meeting of the leaders of the three countries. Earlier, the Kremlin had also said that preparations for the meeting were being discussed. According to media reports, the United States and Russia want China to host the meeting, but Beijing has not yet given it a formal shape.
A major reason for China’s caution over the meeting is the Ukraine war. Russia wants the talks to discuss ending the war and the possibility of an agreement on terms favourable to its side. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concern that major powers should not decide Ukraine’s future without Kyiv’s participation. He has linked any such arrangement to concerns over the division of spheres of influence.
For China too, this is a sensitive diplomatic situation. While maintaining ties with Russia, it does not want to affect its economic interests with Europe and the United States. Experts believe Beijing wants the symbolic image of a meeting, but may avoid getting directly entangled in a dispute such as Ukraine.
For now, a final decision is still awaited on the possible November 18-19 meeting.
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