Trump, Putin and Xi may hold first trilateral meeting at Apec Summit in China

China, Russia and the United States are discussing a possible trilateral meeting between their leaders on the sidelines of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for November 18 and 19.

If it goes ahead, the meeting would bring together US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping for their first trilateral engagement.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that preparations were being discussed. “Work is under way on organising such a meeting,” he told the Financial Times, according to a report citing people familiar with the matter.

China's foreign ministry also said it was in communication regarding a meeting between Xi and Putin. The White House, however, has yet to comment on the possibility of the trilateral meeting or confirm whether Trump will attend it.

Trump open to talks on nuclear weapons and trade

Trump has previously expressed willingness to meet Xi and Putin together, saying such an engagement could focus on nuclear weapons and denuclearisation, while also covering trade.

“We would have it to talk about nuclear weapons and denuclearization. If President Xi wants to have it, I'd have it. I'm sure we'd talk about other things like trade too,” Trump told reporters outside the White House on October 19.

The US president is expected to attend the Apec Summit in Shenzhen, where he is also scheduled to meet Xi for the third time this year. The two leaders are due to meet again in December when the Chinese president travels to Miami for the 2026 G20 Summit.

Trump's comments on a possible trilateral meeting also came amid discussions on ending the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Putin had proposed trilateral meeting last month

The possibility of a three-way meeting was first raised by Putin, who proposed an engagement involving Trump and Xi, according to a Wall Street Journal report last month.

Citing people familiar with the discussions, the report said Moscow's proposal was an attempt by Putin to capitalise on improving ties between the Russian leader and Trump. The warming relationship has raised concerns in Ukraine and among its allies in the United States and Europe.

Peskov had confirmed in October that discussions about a possible meeting were taking place, but said there was no clear agreement on its agenda or whether it would go ahead.