The world is preparing for a significant diplomatic moment as United States President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to participate in their first-ever three-way summit in China. The unprecedented meeting is scheduled to take place in Shenzhen next week, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
The White House confirmed that the three leaders are expected to meet on Thursday, November 19, bringing together representatives of the world’s three major nuclear powers. The meeting could become an important moment in international diplomacy, particularly as relations between Washington, Beijing and Moscow continue to influence global political and economic developments.
One of the major issues expected to dominate discussions is nuclear weapons. Trump has expressed interest in reaching an agreement that would reduce nuclear arsenals and establish a modern framework for arms control. His administration believes that any future nuclear agreement should involve China alongside the United States and Russia.
The issue has become increasingly important following the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, commonly known as New START, in February 2026. The agreement previously placed limits on the strategic nuclear weapons deployed by Washington and Moscow. Its expiration has removed an important restriction on the world’s two largest nuclear arsenals.
Trump has rejected Russia’s proposal to extend the previous agreement for another year, instead calling for a new, improved and modernised arrangement that includes China.
However, Beijing has historically shown reluctance to participate in trilateral nuclear negotiations. China’s nuclear stockpile remains considerably smaller than those of Russia and the United States. This difference has raised questions about whether all three governments would accept the same responsibilities under a new agreement.
Another major subject expected to feature in the discussions is the ongoing war involving Iran. American officials have indicated that Trump intends to raise the issue with Xi and Putin. Washington’s relationship with both countries could influence diplomatic efforts surrounding the conflict.
The war in Ukraine, however, is not expected to be a central topic during the trilateral meeting. American officials have suggested that Washington is pursuing separate diplomatic discussions with Kyiv and Moscow rather than including Ukraine-related negotiations in the three-way format.
The proposed summit also carries considerable symbolic importance. Putin would gain an opportunity to appear alongside the leaders of the United States and China, reinforcing Russia’s international diplomatic position despite its continuing conflict with Ukraine and tensions with Western governments.
For Xi, hosting the meeting offers an opportunity to demonstrate China’s growing influence in global affairs. Shenzhen, one of China’s leading technology and economic centres, will provide an important international stage during the APEC gathering.
Nevertheless, analysts have warned against expecting major diplomatic breakthroughs. Officials have indicated that the meeting should be viewed as the beginning of a conversation rather than a platform for announcing an immediate agreement.
The three leaders have previously held bilateral meetings, but a formal gathering involving all three together would represent a new chapter in relations between Washington, Beijing and Moscow.
The international community will closely watch whether the meeting produces meaningful discussions on nuclear security, international conflicts and global stability. Even without a formal agreement, the gathering could influence diplomatic calculations among major world powers.