China has dismissed the idea of a trilateral summit with the United States and Russia to address the ongoing war in Ukraine, emphasizing the necessity of European involvement in any negotiations. This position was disclosed by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on October 30.
During their discussions, Steinmeier proposed a Ukraine-focused summit, but Xi made it clear that no preparations were underway for such a meeting involving China, the U.S., and Russia. Xi underscored that the conflict is a European matter, asserting that European countries must have a seat at the negotiating table, reflecting the importance of including those directly affected by the war in its resolution.
The conversation between Steinmeier and Xi coincides with suggestions for a potential gathering of Xi, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China, planned for November 18–19. While Putin has floated the idea of a meeting focused on nuclear disarmament, Trump has shown a willingness to discuss broader issues, including the Ukraine conflict. Yet, Xi’s stance suggests that any summit addressing the war without European participation may encounter significant hurdles.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently emphasized that Ukraine must be involved in any decisions regarding its future. This perspective adds another layer of complexity to the diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war, highlighting the critical roles both Ukraine and European countries play in negotiations that involve major global powers.
The debate over the proposed summit highlights ongoing diplomatic challenges in resolving the conflict, particularly in terms of ensuring that all relevant parties, including Ukraine and European nations, are actively involved in the discussions. This insistence on broader participation reflects the intricate dynamics of international diplomacy and the complexities of addressing a conflict with far-reaching implications.