The unprecedented session will put nuclear arms and the Iran war before three major powers, although expectations for a breakthrough remain low
WASHINGTON — International News Service – U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet jointly in Shenzhen on November 19, the White House says, creating a rare forum for three nuclear powers at a time of heightened global tension.
The meeting will take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. China has confirmed that Xi will chair the November 18-19 gathering and meet foreign leaders, but Beijing’s public announcement does not specifically identify the three-way session.
A senior U.S. official said Trump intends to discuss the Iran war and possible reductions in nuclear stockpiles. Russia’s war against Ukraine is not expected to be formally included, despite Putin’s involvement and Moscow’s continuing negotiations with Washington over European security.
Arms control could prove especially difficult. New START, the last treaty limiting the deployed strategic nuclear weapons of the United States and Russia, expired in February. Trump has argued that a replacement should include China, which has historically maintained that Washington and Moscow must first make deeper reductions because their arsenals are much larger.
The gathering also gives Xi a central diplomatic role. China has close ties with Russia, remains an important buyer of Iranian energy and is Washington’s leading economic competitor. It nevertheless has significant differences with both governments over trade, technology and regional security.
The White House confirmation turns weeks of speculation into a firm diplomatic engagement. Whether the meeting produces negotiations or mainly serves as a display of great-power access will depend on whether the leaders agree on any process beyond the Shenzhen session.
