In a significant geopolitical development, U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin are planning a historic trilateral meeting at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China. This unprecedented gathering aims to address the ongoing Iran conflict and the future of nuclear weapons stockpiles, featuring the leaders of the world’s three major nuclear powers.
The White House has confirmed the meeting, which is expected to carry more symbolic significance than immediate political outcomes. Analysts suggest that while the discussions may not yield major breakthroughs, they could influence global perceptions of power dynamics. President Trump is particularly interested in negotiating a new nuclear arms agreement that involves all three nations, following the expiration of the New START treaty in February 2026, which previously imposed restrictions on the U.S. and Russia’s nuclear arsenals.
Washington is keen on including China in a new arms treaty, but Beijing has expressed little interest. China’s nuclear arsenal, estimated at 600 warheads, is significantly smaller than those of the U.S. and Russia, each possessing over 5,000 warheads. The meeting also coincides with increasing strategic ties between China and Russia, particularly since the Ukraine conflict began in 2022. China has bolstered its economic relations with Russia by purchasing energy resources and supplying technological components, while Putin has consistently backed China’s stance on Taiwan.
This proposed summit has raised apprehensions in Ukraine, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy worries about discussions regarding the conflict happening without Kyiv’s involvement. However, Trump has indicated that Ukraine will not be a primary focus of the trilateral talks. The summit could potentially bolster China’s global influence and allow Russia to assert its status as a prominent international power. However, the presence of the three leaders might complicate China’s efforts to promote multilateral cooperation and free trade at the APEC summit.