Trump, Putin and Xi Expected to Hold Rare Trilateral Meeting on Sidelines of APEC Summit in China

The gathering would bring together the leaders of the United States, Russia, and China at a time of ongoing geopolitical tensions and growing international security concerns.

White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales told reporters that the trilateral meeting will be held during President Trump’s visit to attend the APEC summit in the southern Chinese city.

According to Wales, one of the key issues expected to be discussed is nuclear weapons and global security.

“The president has made it clear that, among other topics, he will discuss the reduction of nuclear weapons in the world, whose proliferation President Trump believes is very dangerous,” she said.

Reports indicate that the situation involving Iran could also be raised during the discussions among the three nuclear powers. However, Ukraine is not expected to be part of the formal agenda.

Neither the Russian nor Chinese governments have publicly commented on the proposed meeting.

Officials have also indicated that no major agreements or joint declarations are expected to emerge immediately from the talks.

President Trump is scheduled to arrive in Shenzhen late Wednesday to participate in the two-day summit involving leaders from the 21 APEC member economies. During the visit, he is also expected to hold separate bilateral discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking their fourth meeting since Trump’s return to office in 2025.

Wales described the visit as an important component of the administration’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy.

“President Trump will conclude his visit to China with a trilateral meeting between the president of the United States, the president of the People’s Republic of China, and the president of the Russian Federation,” she said.

Before arriving in China, Trump is also expected to attend an ASEAN summit in the Philippines, where regional security, trade, and economic cooperation will be key topics of discussion.

Analysts say the rare three-way meeting could provide an opportunity for dialogue between the world’s leading powers on issues ranging from strategic stability and nuclear security to regional conflicts and global economic challenges.