Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Trump signals openness to summit with Putin and Xi in China
The US president has indicated willingness to hold high-level talks with Russian and Chinese leaders, with denuclearisation topping the agenda. Discussions could also extend to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, he suggested.
LSN Malaysia ·
US President Donald Trump has expressed readiness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, potentially in China, signalling a shift toward direct diplomatic engagement with Washington's strategic rivals.
Trump indicated that any such summit would prioritise denuclearisation discussions, marking a continuation of his administration's focus on nuclear proliferation concerns. However, the talks could potentially broaden in scope to address other pressing international issues, including the Ukraine conflict.
The proposed trilateral or sequential meetings underscore the Trump administration's emphasis on direct dialogue with major powers. Such a summit could reshape diplomatic relations in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, particularly given the current geopolitical tensions involving Russia, China, and Western nations.
The initiative reflects Trump's unconventional diplomatic approach, which has previously included direct engagement with adversaries. Details regarding the timing, location, and formal structure of any potential meetings remain unclear, with diplomatic channels expected to work out specifics in coming weeks.
The proposal comes amid ongoing discussions about arms control, regional stability, and broader questions surrounding US foreign policy in Asia and Europe.