During a recent meeting in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping signaled little interest in a proposed trilateral summit with the United States and Russia to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Steinmeier, who raised the idea during his October 30 meeting with Xi, reported that the Chinese leader emphasized the necessity of involving European countries in any negotiations concerning the conflict.
Xi’s stance comes amidst discussions of a potential summit involving Xi, former US President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China, on November 18–19. While Putin has suggested focusing on nuclear disarmament, Trump has expressed openness to addressing other issues, including the situation in Ukraine. However, Xi’s position indicates that any talks specifically targeting the Ukraine conflict might face hurdles if European nations are not included.
China’s reluctance to engage in a summit without European participation underscores the broader diplomatic challenges in resolving the war. Xi reportedly stressed that the conflict directly impacts Europe, thereby necessitating their presence at any negotiation table. This perspective aligns with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s insistence that Ukraine should be directly involved in decisions affecting its future.
The ongoing debate about the structure and participants of potential peace talks reflects the complex dynamics at play as global powers, including the US and Russia, seek pathways to end the war. The involvement of European countries, as advocated by Xi, highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that considers the interests and security concerns of those most directly affected by the conflict.