Kremlin Considers Putin-Trump Meeting in Beijing Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Russian officials have indicated a potential meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump during the September celebrations in Beijing, where Putin has already accepted an invitation to attend a military parade. The Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that if Trump is present in the Chinese capital, the possibility of a discussion about holding talks remains open. However, the Kremlin has not yet confirmed whether Trump will attend the event.
The speculation has arisen after recent phone conversations between Trump and Xi Jinping, as well as ongoing diplomatic discussions regarding the Ukraine conflict. The Chinese capital will host a military parade on September 3 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two. Putin has already accepted an invitation to attend, highlighting the significance of the event.
Experts suggest that any potential meeting between Putin and Trump could take place during the events in Beijing, with Chinese officials positioning themselves as a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for a “fair, lasting, and binding” peace agreement, urging all sides to prioritize a ceasefire and political dialogue. This stance aligns with China’s broader policy of maintaining neutrality in international conflicts.
Putin and Trump have spoken by phone multiple times in recent months, focusing on efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Trump recently criticized Putin, accusing him of resisting a settlement. The Kremlin responded by saying it viewed the criticism calmly and intended to maintain dialogue with Washington.
The last time Putin and Trump met in person was during the 2018 Russia-US Summit in Helsinki, Finland. This meeting marked a significant moment in their diplomatic relationship, though tensions have since persisted, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The potential for a new meeting in Beijing would be a significant development in the evolving diplomatic landscape between the United States and Russia.
Speculation has grown over a possible meeting involving Putin, Trump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the celebrations. Japan’s Kyodo News reported that the Chinese government has decided to invite Trump, while The Times suggested that Beijing is positioning itself to host a trilateral summit. Chinese officials have not confirmed the reports. The Kremlin has remained cautious, emphasizing that the decision to hold a meeting would depend on whether Trump is present in Beijing.
The Kremlin’s recent comments reflect the complex diplomatic dynamics at play, with Russia and the United States navigating a delicate balance between cooperation and contention. While the possibility of a meeting remains open, the outcomes will depend on the actions of all involved parties, particularly the United States and China, in shaping the future of international relations.
As the September events approach, the international community watches closely for any developments that could reshape the geopolitical landscape. The potential for a meeting between Putin and Trump in Beijing underscores the ongoing significance of diplomatic engagement in resolving pressing global issues.