China, Russia, U.S. May Hold Trilateral Meeting at APEC Summit

The Chinese foreign ministry confirmed ongoing discussions with the United States and Russia regarding a potential trilateral meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen.

The proposed meeting could occur during the summit, which is scheduled for November 18-19. All three leaders are expected to attend the event, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.

Chinese officials have not disclosed details about the meeting's agenda, though the prospect has raised concerns in Europe about the exclusion of Ukraine and European capitals from discussions on ending the war.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier stated that Xi had previously rejected the idea of discussing Ukraine in a trilateral format. Russian officials described the meeting as 'appropriate and very useful' but offered no specifics on potential topics.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed apprehension about a meeting that excludes Ukraine, warning against a repeat of historical power dynamics seen in past negotiations.

European leaders have emphasized the need for their involvement in any peace talks, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stating that key elements of a solution require European participation.