Trump, Putin and Xi set for historic first-ever meeting in China

A potentially historic diplomatic encounter is taking shape as US President Donald Trump is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping together for the first time during a trilateral meeting in China next week.

According to US broadcaster ABC News, the unprecedented meeting is likely to take place on Thursday in the Chinese city of Shenzhen on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

The White House has also confirmed that Trump will hold trilateral talks with his Chinese and Russian counterparts during his upcoming visit to China, raising expectations of significant discussions on major international security and geopolitical issues.

The proposed meeting could mark an important moment in global diplomacy, bringing the leaders of three major world powers together at a time of heightened international tensions and shifting political alliances.

US media reports suggest that Iran is expected to feature prominently in the discussions, alongside nuclear arms control and developments involving North Korea.

The participation of Trump, Putin and Xi in a single meeting would be unprecedented, potentially opening a new diplomatic channel for discussions on some of the world’s most sensitive security challenges.

However, the agenda appears to have certain limitations. According to media reports, Trump does not intend to discuss Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine during the trilateral session.

Before the three-way meeting, the US president is also expected to hold separate bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, no separate meeting between Trump and Putin is currently planned, according to the reports.

The expected gathering comes amid efforts by Washington and Beijing to maintain stability in their bilateral relationship despite differences over trade, security and international affairs.

China’s role in hosting the proposed talks could also offer Beijing an opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic influence and position itself as a key player in discussions involving major global powers.

For Trump, the meeting would provide an opportunity to engage directly with two influential leaders whose countries play central roles in international security, economic affairs and regional conflicts.

Although the final outcome and detailed agenda remain to be seen, the proposed encounter is already attracting international attention.

If held as expected, the historic meeting in Shenzhen could become a significant diplomatic moment, with discussions on Iran, nuclear weapons and North Korea potentially shaping the next phase of relations among Washington, Moscow and Beijing.