Moscow Considers Trilateral Meeting of Russian, US, Chinese Leaders

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated on Sunday that Moscow has not ruled out a trilateral meeting between the presidents of Russia, the U.S., and China, state news agency TASS reported.

Ryabkov said it is necessary to understand the meeting's agenda before moving to preparations. He added, "Here, the main question boils down to how the substance of the meeting will be formulated, and what we can expect as a result." Earlier this month, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov raised the possibility of Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, and Xi Jinping meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, in November.

Ushakov was quoted on Sunday by Russian news agencies as saying such a meeting would not be without merit. Ushakov also said the organization of such a meeting was the prerogative of the summit's hosts. He added, "If they are able to organize such a meeting and this requires a certain amount of diplomatic preparation then I think it could take place."

The Kremlin also plans bilateral meetings for Putin during the summit, including one with Xi Jinping, and, if the opportunity arises, a meeting with Trump.