Beijing: China is preparing to host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit next week, with US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to attend amid growing international interest in the possibility of a meeting between the three leaders.
The 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will take place in Shenzhen, southern China, on November 18 and 19. The gathering is expected to focus on regional trade, investment, technological development and economic cooperation, while also providing an opportunity for discussions on major international issues. China's Foreign Ministry confirmed on Friday that Xi will chair the meeting, deliver remarks and host a welcome banquet for visiting leaders. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with foreign leaders during the summit.
The possibility of a separate meeting between Trump, Putin and Xi has attracted particular attention. Trump has expressed interest in meeting both leaders in Shenzhen, while US officials have said that discussions are under way to arrange a trilateral meeting. China has also confirmed that it is communicating with relevant parties about the possibility of such a meeting, although no final arrangements have been announced. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by telephone with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on November 11. According to the US account of the conversation, the two officials discussed the importance of meaningful discussions between national leaders to advance peace and nuclear disarmament, including through a possible trilateral meeting involving Russia.
China described the conversation as positive and constructive but did not mention nuclear disarmament or the proposed meeting in its public account. The differences between the two governments' statements highlight the uncertainty surrounding the proposed discussions. No final arrangements, date or detailed agenda for a meeting between the three leaders have been publicly confirmed.
Nuclear disarmament could be one of the main challenges if such a meeting takes place. China has previously rejected calls to join nuclear arms control negotiations with the United States and Russia, arguing that its nuclear capabilities are not comparable to those of the other two countries. The war in Ukraine and the conflict involving Iran could also feature in discussions. Trump has expressed interest in discussing the Iran conflict with Xi and Putin, while Putin has reportedly wanted to raise the war in Ukraine. However, these remain possible discussion topics rather than confirmed items on an agreed agenda.
The summit also comes at a sensitive time for economic relations between Washington and Beijing. The two countries have been working to maintain a trade truce despite continuing disagreements over tariffs, technology restrictions, agricultural purchases and access to critical minerals. China announced on November 9 that it would extend the suspension of certain trade measures against the United States for another two months. The arrangement includes the continued suspension of an additional 24 per cent tariff on certain US imports, while a 10 per cent tariff remains in place.
China has also extended certain export control waivers involving critical minerals and related technologies until January 10, 2027. These measures are important for industries that depend on materials used in electronics, electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing. Beyond discussions involving major powers, the summit will bring together leaders from APEC's 21 member economies. Established in 1989, the organisation promotes trade, investment and economic cooperation across the Asia Pacific region.
Its members include the United States, China, Japan, Russia, Australia, Indonesia, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, among others. Hong Kong and Taiwan also participate under the names Hong Kong, China and Chinese Taipei. Together, APEC economies account for approximately 61.6 per cent of global gross domestic product and 50.1 per cent of global merchandise exports, according to the organisation's 2025 statistics.
Unlike a military alliance or a conventional political organisation, APEC focuses mainly on economic cooperation. Its decisions are reached through consensus and are voluntary rather than legally binding. China has selected the theme "Building an Asia Pacific Community to Prosper Together" for its 2026 presidency. The programme places particular emphasis on openness, innovation and cooperation.
Artificial intelligence, digital transformation, regional connectivity, energy security and supply chain resilience are expected to feature prominently in discussions. The meeting will also provide an opportunity for business leaders and policymakers to explore investment and technological cooperation. Shenzhen, the host city, is one of China's major centres for technology, manufacturing and innovation. Located in Guangdong Province near Hong Kong, it is an important part of the Guangdong Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area, which China is developing as a major economic and technological region.
By choosing Shenzhen, China is highlighting its technological development and ambitions for greater regional economic integration. Relations between China and several other APEC economies will also be closely watched during the gathering. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is scheduled to visit the Philippines and China from November 16 to 19, with plans to attend the APEC summit in Shenzhen. Her visit comes amid tensions between Tokyo and Beijing over Taiwan and regional security.
Taiwan has appointed Acer founder and honorary chairman Stan Shih as its representative to the APEC leaders' meeting. Taiwan participates in the forum as Chinese Taipei, and its involvement remains politically sensitive because of China's position on the island's status.
Meanwhile, continuing disagreements between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea underline the wider security challenges facing the region. The maritime disputes involve competing claims and access to important waters and resources. The leaders' meeting is expected to produce a collective outcome document known as the Shenzhen Declaration. Its final contents will depend on discussions among participating economies. As preparations continue, the Shenzhen summit is expected to serve two important purposes. It will provide a platform for regional economies to discuss trade, investment and technological cooperation while also offering opportunities for major powers to address international disagreements.
Whether Trump, Putin and Xi hold a separate meeting remains uncertain. Nevertheless, their expected participation has placed the summit under international attention at a time when economic cooperation, geopolitical tensions and global security are closely connected.