Trump Open to Three-Way Meeting With Xi and Putin, Says Nuclear Disarmament Could Be on Agenda
US President Donald Trump has expressed his willingness to take part in a trilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying the discussions could focus on nuclear weapons and denuclearisation.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Monday, Trump indicated that he would be willing to participate if Xi supported the proposal. The possibility of a meeting has emerged as Washington, Moscow and Beijing navigate major disagreements over international security, nuclear weapons and Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The proposed gathering has not yet been finalised, and officials have not announced a confirmed date or agreed agenda.
Nuclear Weapons Could Be the Main Focus
Trump said the meeting would provide an opportunity to discuss nuclear weapons and denuclearisation. Such discussions could be significant given the military capabilities of the three countries and their influence on global security.
The United States, Russia and China occupy central positions in international nuclear policy, although their approaches to arms control and strategic competition differ considerably.
Any progress would depend on whether the leaders could agree on practical steps to reduce nuclear risks. A willingness to meet does not necessarily mean that formal negotiations or a new arms-control agreement are imminent.
APEC Summit Could Provide an Opportunity
The Kremlin has raised the possibility of holding the meeting on the sidelines of next month’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for November 18–19.
Russian officials have indicated that the idea has been discussed, but no concrete proposals or agreements have been announced regarding the meeting or its possible agenda.
Trump’s latest comments signal openness to the proposal, but participation by all three leaders remains unconfirmed. Further diplomatic discussions would be needed before arrangements could be finalised.
Ukraine War Adds Complexity to the Proposal
The possibility of a Trump-Putin-Xi meeting has also drawn attention because of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
A discussion involving the three leaders could address broader international security issues, including the conflict. However, Ukraine would not be represented in a meeting limited to the American, Russian and Chinese presidents.
Ukrainian officials have warned that discussions about ending the war should not take place without Ukraine’s participation. Kyiv maintains that any settlement affecting its territory and security must include the Ukrainian government.
Russian officials have also acknowledged that Ukraine would ultimately need to be involved in a final settlement, even if preliminary discussions took place among other world leaders.
What Happens Next?
The immediate question is whether diplomatic discussions will produce a confirmed meeting during the APEC summit. The leaders would also need to determine whether nuclear disarmament, the Ukraine war or other strategic issues would form part of the agenda.
If held, the meeting would bring together three of the world’s most influential powers at a time of heightened geopolitical competition. Its significance would depend on whether the discussions produced concrete commitments rather than general statements of intent.
For now, Trump’s remarks indicate that he is open to the idea, but the proposed summit remains under discussion.
