Shenzhen Summit Could Reset Global Power Dynamics Amid Trade Tensions
Beijing confirmed talks are underway for a trilateral gathering on the sidelines of the APEC summit, though analysts warn the session may yield little beyond a shared photograph.
By Jillian Foster ·
Beijing has confirmed that Chinese leader Xi Jinping is discussing a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The potential gathering would bring the three heads of state together this month in Shenzhen, China. If finalized, the session would represent the first time these specific leaders meet in a trilateral format.
Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, addressed reporters in Beijing this week. She stated that China is in communication with relevant parties regarding the meeting. No specific agenda has been released. The leaders are expected to convene on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. China hosts this year's APEC gathering, which includes 21 member economies.
The diplomatic effort comes against a backdrop of ongoing trade friction. Trump is scheduled to travel to Shenzhen for his third meeting with Xi this year. The two nations are currently maintaining a fragile trade truce that expires in January. Tensions remained visible on Friday when U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer spoke with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. Greer urged Beijing to take concrete actions to implement past commitments. He specifically cited agricultural purchases, rare earths, and other critical minerals.
China's official news agency, Xinhua, reported on Saturday that both sides held in-depth and constructive exchanges during the call. Beijing expressed concerns about Washington's restrictive economic and trade measures. The outcome of the upcoming summit in Shenzhen will be watched closely by international observers.
Experts suggest the meeting is driven more by optics than substance. Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center, noted that China wants the image without the costs. She said the question remains whether the format and content will align with that goal. Danny Russel, a former senior State Department official, argued that Putin has the most to gain from the trilateral meeting. He described the potential gathering as a diplomatic coup for Russia.
Russel, who is now a distinguished fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, said Trump would likely welcome the meeting. However, he noted that advisers have warned the president to steer clear of Ukraine as a primary topic. Sun observed that Russia would likely use the summit to nudge China and the U.S. closer to Moscow's positions on Ukraine. She warned that China will have to manage Russian manipulation of the narrative.
Craig Singleton, senior director of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said the meeting may amount to a photo opportunity. He noted that such spectacles have diminishing diplomatic returns. The session could be historic in appearance without producing consequential results.
Beijing's primary challenge is perception. Sun warned that the summit should not be equated to three great powers dividing up the world. China is expected to maintain its diplomatic refrain that peace is important and wars should end. The leaders are not expected to engage in deep talks on arms controls or Iran.
