Kremlin Says 'Work Is Under Way' on a Possible Trump-Putin-Xi Meeting at the APEC Summit in Shenzhen on Nov. 18-19, Breitbart Reports
Spokesman Dmitry Peskov says arrangements are ongoing; China's foreign ministry was more guarded and Russia's deputy foreign minister says no final decision has been made. Breitbart's Hayward says Beijing controls the scheduling.
The Kremlin said Tuesday that arrangements are under way for a three-way meeting of President Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Breitbart reports.
The plan. The meeting would take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China, on Nov. 18 and 19. Breitbart's John Hayward says the Financial Times reported that U.S., Chinese and Russian officials have discussed what would be the first meeting of the three leaders, and that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was the first to confirm the talks.
The Kremlin line. Peskov told reporters there is a "general understanding among the participants of this possible meeting that it would be worthwhile and extremely useful." He said work to arrange it is ongoing, "hopefully it will be finalized in the next few days," and that China, as host, is "the main organizing force."
The caution. Breitbart says China's Foreign Ministry was less enthusiastic, saying only that it is "in communication with relevant parties" about a meeting of the Chinese and Russian leaders. It did not mention Mr. Trump attending, though it has previously said he and Xi are expected to meet at APEC and again at the G20 in Miami in December. Russia's Tass agency quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Rudenko saying "no final decision has been made." Breitbart also cites the Financial Times for a report that Germany's president said Xi seemed confused when asked about a trilateral summit and wondered where the rumors began.
The analysis. Hayward argues that a meeting would make Xi look like a global statesman, but that it seems unlikely Trump and Putin would settle their differences on the sidelines. He notes China is wary of Mr. Trump's stated wish for a trilateral nuclear arms agreement. Those are the writer's judgments.
What we could not check. We have not seen the Financial Times report or the Peskov remarks. Nothing is confirmed by the White House, Beijing or Moscow beyond Peskov's statement, and Breitbart's account does not include a White House comment.