China has signaled a lack of interest in convening a trilateral summit involving 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 communicated to Steinmeier that European nations must play a role in any negotiations regarding the war.
This stance from China comes as discussions about a potential summit involving Xi, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin gain attention. The suggested meeting could take place during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for November 18–19. While Putin has floated the idea of focusing on nuclear disarmament, Trump has expressed readiness to discuss a range of issues, including the situation in Ukraine. However, Xi’s emphasis on European participation suggests that any summit on the conflict may encounter challenges if it excludes these nations.
Steinmeier’s proposal for a Ukraine-focused summit was met with Xi’s assertion that the conflict is of direct concern to Europe, highlighting the necessity of their involvement in peace talks. This reflects a broader perspective that European countries, being directly affected by the war, should have a voice in its resolution.
The dialogue about a potential summit underscores ongoing diplomatic hurdles in efforts to find a path to peace, particularly regarding the inclusion of Ukraine and European countries in any negotiations involving major global powers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently maintained that Ukraine must be included in discussions about its future, reinforcing the complexity of the diplomatic landscape.
As the international community continues to navigate the complexities of the war in Ukraine, the role of various stakeholders in peace negotiations remains a pivotal issue. China’s position on European involvement points to the intricate dynamics at play and the importance of multilateral participation in resolving the conflict.