China confirms talks on possible Xi-Trump-Putin meeting at APEC summit

China has confirmed for the first time that it is discussing a potential meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping, US president Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin. The trilateral gathering would take place this month on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen. Beijing is hosting the 21-member APEC leaders summit, with Trump expected to travel to Shenzhen for his third meeting with Xi this year. Experts say the three leaders are unlikely to discuss substantive issues due to conflicting interests, though Putin is focused on Ukraine and Trump has expressed interest in nuclear arms control talks. The meeting would likely be a carefully choreographed photo opportunity, with analysts noting Russia has the most to gain diplomatically. China's biggest challenge may be managing perceptions, as the summit should not be equated to three great powers dividing up the world.