World · Thailand Bureau
Putin, Xi and Trump could converge at Asia-Pacific economic summit
The Kremlin has suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump could potentially meet at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Such a gathering would represent a rare convergence of the world's three most influential leaders.
LSN Thailand ·
Moscow indicated on Tuesday that a trilateral meeting among Putin, Xi, and Trump remains a possibility at the APEC forum, though no confirmed plans have been announced. The prospect of the three leaders appearing together at the regional economic gathering has drawn international attention given current geopolitical tensions and the significance of their respective nations in global affairs.
APEC, which brings together 21 economies around the Pacific Rim, provides an established diplomatic platform where high-level bilateral and multilateral meetings typically occur on the sidelines of formal proceedings. The summit offers participating leaders opportunities for both scheduled negotiations and informal encounters.
The Kremlin's comments suggest openness to engagement at the multilateral forum, though diplomatic observers note that confirming attendance and arranging such meetings depends on numerous factors, including the foreign policy priorities of each administration and bilateral relations between the nations.
The timing of any potential gathering would carry considerable significance given the evolving international landscape and ongoing regional economic and security concerns across Asia-Pacific. APEC summits have historically served as important venues for addressing trade, investment, and regional cooperation issues among member economies.
Photo: President Donald Trump greets Chinese President Xi Jinping before their bilateral meeting in Busan, South Korea, October 2025. Daniel Torok, The White House, via Wikimedia Commons (public domain).