White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales confirmed that Trump would participate in the trilateral meeting after attending the APEC summit. One of the main topics is expected to be the reduction of nuclear weapons and preventing their further spread around the world. Iran may also come under discussion, although Ukraine is reportedly not included in the planned talks.
The meeting comes at a time when global nuclear security is facing new challenges. A major nuclear weapons control treaty between the United States and Russia expired in February 2026, leaving both countries without important limits on their nuclear arsenals. The United Nations has urged Washington and Moscow to develop a new agreement without delay.
Trump has also expressed interest in creating a broader nuclear weapons agreement that includes China. However, bringing Beijing into such an arrangement could be difficult because China has been expanding its nuclear capabilities. Former US officials and analysts have warned that reaching an agreement involving all three countries could take years.
During his China visit, Trump will also hold separate talks with Xi Jinping. The meeting will mark their fourth meeting since Trump returned to office in 2025.
Although the planned trilateral meeting has attracted international attention, US officials do not expect an immediate agreement or major announcement. Moscow and Beijing have also not officially confirmed the meeting.
The development could open an important diplomatic opportunity for the three countries to discuss nuclear security and wider international challenges.
