# Anticipating a Potential Trilateral Summit Between Xi, Trump, and Putin Global leaders prepare for a high-stakes meeting during the upcoming APEC summit in Shenzhen. - **Source:** [Le Monde in English](https://www.lemonde.fr/en) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/81e5e674-74c6-4999-8639-95dff3eff8ba ## High-Stakes Trilateral Meeting A potential trilateral summit between Xi Jinping, Donald Trump, and Vladimir Putin looms over the upcoming APEC meeting in Shenzhen. Scheduled for November 18 and 19, the event has sparked intense speculation among global diplomats. While not yet officially confirmed, the prospect of these three leaders convening remains the most anticipated geopolitical event. ## Diplomatic Hurdles and Agendas The primary obstacle to finalizing this summit is the difficulty in aligning the disparate agendas of the three nations. Advisers are currently struggling to reach a consensus on a shared framework for discussion. Despite the logistical challenges, the potential for a historic photo opportunity remains a powerful incentive for all three leaders involved. ## The Yalta 2.0 Narrative Some commentators have labeled the potential meeting as Yalta 2.0, suggesting a new era of global power division. Unlike the 1945 conference held in Europe, this gathering would center on China's growing influence. However, experts remain skeptical that this meeting will produce structural decisions comparable to the post-World War II international order. ## Putin's Strategic Motivations Vladimir Putin views the summit as a vital opportunity to break his international isolation. By traveling to China, he avoids the legal risks associated with the International Criminal Court, which Beijing does not recognize. This meeting serves to project an image of equality with the United States and China, countering his pariah status. ## Xi Jinping's Reserved Stance Chinese leader Xi Jinping maintains a characteristically reserved posture regarding the summit's confirmation. While hosting 20 other heads of state in Shenzhen, he carefully manages the suspense surrounding his interactions with Trump and Putin. His approach reflects a calculated strategy to balance domestic interests with the complexities of managing global superpower relations. ## Trump's Diplomatic Ambitions Donald Trump has signaled a clear eagerness for this trilateral engagement. His participation would be aimed at asserting his influence on the global stage and reshaping international dynamics. For the American side, the summit represents a chance to directly confront or negotiate with his counterparts in a high-profile, multilateral setting in Asia. ## Global Diplomatic Anxiety European diplomats are reportedly wary of the potential summit, fearing it could undermine established international norms. There is a collective hope among Western officials for a last-minute development that might derail the meeting. The anxiety stems from the potential for these three leaders to redefine global governance without traditional Western institutional oversight. ## Implications for Multipolarity The summit serves as a litmus test for 21st-century multipolarity. Whether interpreted as a pragmatic gathering or the dismantling of the liberal international order, the event underscores a shift in power centers. Observers should watch for the official agenda, as it will reveal the true depth of cooperation between these three powers. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.lemonde.fr/en/opinion/article/2026/11/12/what-xi-trump-and-putin-might-be-thinking-ahead-of-their-possible-summit_6778741_23.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._