Trump, Putin and Xi summit might turn awkward as Beijing stays lukewarm

A meeting under discussion

The three leaders may meet during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China. They have held separate meetings, but not formal talks together. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that preparations were under way. He said Moscow hoped arrangements would be finalised in the coming days.

Moscow sees a diplomatic gain

Moscow-based journalist and political analyst Alexander Bratersky described the gathering as a major event. He said it could let Russia project influence while pushing Ukraine to the sidelines.

Bratersky said Putin’s presence at the table could help him appear among those shaping Europe’s security arrangements after the war in Ukraine. He also said a meeting alone would count as a success for Putin at home. If no concrete outcome emerged before Christmas, Bratersky said, the encounter would amount to a photo opportunity.

Trump could claim deal-maker role

Parmar said Trump could present himself as an essential deal-maker and highlight possible agreements involving Ukraine, trade, energy or arms control. A photograph of Trump with Xi and Putin could also be presented as evidence of continuing US influence, Parmar said, even if the meeting’s substance were limited or symbolic.

Beijing’s apparent hesitation

China has appeared lukewarm about the proposed gathering. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he raised discussing Ukraine with Xi during a meeting in Beijing on October 30. Germany’s DPA news agency reported that Steinmeier could see “surprise” on Xi’s face when he brought up the idea.