# Kremlin Aide Floats Putin–Trump–Xi Meeting at APEC Shenzhen as Leaders Plan Bilateral Talks

*Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 6:09 PM UTC — Hamer Intelligence Services Desk*

**Published**: 2026-09-01T18:09:57.563Z (1h ago)
**Category**: geopolitics | **Region**: Global
**Importance**: 8/10
**Sources**: OSINT
**Permalink**: https://hamerintel.com/data/articles/16521.md
**Source**: https://hamerintel.com/summaries

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**Deck**: Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov says Moscow is exploring a trilateral meeting between Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping on the sidelines of November’s APEC summit in Shenzhen, with bilateral sessions likely if a three‑way format cannot be arranged.

A Kremlin adviser says Russia is working on the possibility of bringing Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping together for a three‑way meeting at this year’s Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, an encounter that would put the leaders of three major powers in the same room as wars and economic disputes grind on.

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said all three leaders are expected to attend the APEC summit in Shenzhen in November. According to his account, Putin and Xi have already discussed a possible trilateral conversation involving Trump. If that cannot be arranged, Ushakov said they are likely to hold separate bilateral talks instead.

The idea of such a meeting comes as the United States remains locked in confrontation with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine and in strategic competition with China over technology, security in Asia and trade. Russia relies on China for markets and political support as Western sanctions bite, while also managing its own strained relationship with Washington.

Ushakov’s comments suggest Moscow sees value in testing new formats for engagement at a time when it is heavily sanctioned by Western countries but still present at multilateral economic forums. A trilateral session would allow Putin, Trump and Xi to assess one another face‑to‑face, even if only for a short time, while bilateral meetings would give each pair a chance to address their own disputes.

For governments watching from Europe and Asia, the prospect raises questions about what might be discussed on Ukraine, U.S.–China tensions or wider regional issues if all three leaders do meet in Shenzhen. It also puts a spotlight on China as host: Beijing will be responsible for the choreography and logistics of any trilateral or bilateral summits on the sidelines.

For now, the plan remains at the level of Russian statements; there is no joint confirmation of a three‑way summit. Indicators to watch in the run‑up to November include whether Beijing and Washington publicly acknowledge talks about a trilateral format, how each capital sets expectations for the APEC gathering and whether preparatory meetings between officials signal that a joint agenda is taking shape.