China Confirms Talks on Possible Xi-Trump-Putin Meeting

China has confirmed for the first time that it is discussing a potential meeting between President Xi Jinping, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, though no final plans are set. The trilateral gathering could occur this month on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, which China is hosting. Experts say the leaders are unlikely to reach substantive agreements due to conflicting interests, with the event potentially serving mainly as a choreographed photo opportunity. Russia is reportedly pushing for the meeting as a diplomatic win, while Trump has expressed interest in nuclear arms control talks. China is expected to avoid discussing Ukraine or arms issues, focusing instead on managing perceptions of the summit.