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

China has confirmed it is coordinating a potential meeting between President Xi Jinping, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, possibly on the sidelines of an APEC summit in Shenzhen later this month. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated Beijing is in communication with relevant parties, though nothing is finalized. Experts expect the gathering to focus on optics rather than substantive issues, given conflicting interests among the three nations. The meeting would occur amid ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions, with a fragile truce expiring in January. Russia seeks diplomatic gains, while China aims to manage perceptions without committing to costly agreements, and Trump has expressed interest in discussing nuclear arms control.