China confirms talks on possible Xi-Trump-Putin summit in Shenzhen

China has confirmed for the first time that it is discussing a potential trilateral meeting between President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a foreign ministry spokesperson. The meeting would occur this month on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, though no details are finalized. Experts say substantive discussions are unlikely due to conflicting interests, with the gathering potentially serving mainly as a choreographed photo opportunity. Beijing hosts this year's APEC summit, and Trump is expected to meet Xi amid a fragile trade truce expiring in January. Putin seeks talks on Ukraine without Kyiv, while China aims to project diplomatic leadership without committing to costly outcomes.