China has expressed reluctance to participate in a proposed trilateral summit with the United States and Russia to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. During a meeting on October 30 in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly emphasized to Steinmeier that European nations should be involved in any negotiations regarding the war.
Steinmeier’s suggestion of a Ukraine-focused summit was met with Xi’s indication that no preparatory work has been done for such a meeting, which would involve China, the United States, and Russia. Xi’s comments underline the importance he places on the inclusion of European countries directly impacted by the conflict in diplomatic talks aimed at finding a resolution.
The discussions between Steinmeier and Xi come amid suggestions for a meeting between Xi, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for November 18–19. While Putin has proposed a trilateral meeting to focus on nuclear disarmament, Trump has shown interest in addressing broader issues, including the war in Ukraine. However, China’s insistence on European participation implies potential challenges in organizing a summit dedicated solely to the Ukraine conflict without their involvement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently maintained that decisions about Ukraine’s future should not occur without the involvement of Kyiv. This stance highlights the complex diplomatic landscape in efforts to end the war, where the roles of Ukraine and European countries remain pivotal in negotiations among major global powers.