Putin Chooses China Over US: Skips Trump's Florida Summit, Heads to Xi Jinping

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend the APEC summit in Shenzhen, China, in November, but is unlikely to attend the G20 meeting in Florida, signaling a preference for engagement with Beijing over Washington. The decision highlights a strategic divergence in Putin's foreign policy, as he chooses to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping while avoiding a summit hosted by US President Donald Trump. This move underscores the strengthening Russia-China ties amid ongoing tensions with the West. The APEC gathering is scheduled to take place in the Chinese city, while the G20 summit is planned for Florida. Putin's potential absence from the US-hosted event reflects the current state of Russia-US relations, which remain strained over various geopolitical issues.