The leaders of the US, China and Russia will meet in Shenzhen on Thursday during the APEC summit.
US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to hold a trilateral meeting next Thursday in Shenzhen, China, according to reports from the Times of India and the New York Post. The White House confirmed the meeting, which will take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
The discussions are expected to cover nuclear arms control and the war in Iran. Trump has stated the meeting provides an opportunity to discuss his proposal for a three-way agreement regarding nuclear weapons stockpiles. However, a US official told the Times of India that the president does not plan to discuss the war in Ukraine with Xi and Putin during the session.
Nuclear disarmament is a central topic following the expiry of the New START treaty in February. Trump has expressed interest in a fresh, updated agreement that includes China, rather than extending the previous deal. While the US and Russia each hold more than 5,000 warheads, Pentagon estimates place China's stockpile at over 600.
The meeting occurs amid shifting relations and geopolitical tensions. Trump has sought to strengthen ties with Xi following a trade dispute truce last year, while also working to improve relations with Putin despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. Billionaire Elon Musk is expected to accompany Trump on his visit to China, though he will not participate in the trilateral talks.
