Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed that any negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine should involve European countries, according to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. During a meeting in Beijing on October 30, Steinmeier discussed the possibility of a trilateral summit between China, the United States, and Russia to address the conflict in Ukraine. However, Xi indicated that there were no plans for such a meeting and emphasized the importance of European participation.
Xi’s stance underscores the need for countries directly affected by the war to have a role in discussions aimed at resolving the conflict. This position emerges as discussions continue about a potential meeting between Xi, 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 shown interest in a trilateral dialogue focusing on nuclear disarmament, Trump has signaled a willingness to address the Ukraine conflict as well. Nonetheless, China’s insistence on European involvement suggests that a summit without European nations may face significant hurdles.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently maintained that Ukraine’s future should not be decided without Kyiv’s participation, further complicating the prospects of a summit focused solely on major global powers without Ukraine or its European neighbors.
The discussions highlight the ongoing diplomatic challenges in resolving the Ukraine conflict, reflecting differing views on the roles of various international actors in negotiations. The emphasis on European involvement suggests a recognition of the regional impact of the war and the importance of including those most directly affected in any potential resolution.