--- title: "Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin" url: https://noti.group/donald-trump-xi-jinping-vladimir-putin/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Business" published: 2026-11-15T04:00:02.000Z updated: 2026-11-15T08:43:16.354Z id: c589e3fa-5f68-4d6c-b4f2-ef5c5fd8a9a1 source: "The Guardian Business https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/nov/15/asia-diplomatic-summits-trump-xi-putin-apec-asean" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/donald-trump-xi-jinping-vladimir-putin/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin Apec leaders' meeting brings together representatives from over 60% of the world's GDP for a high-stakes diplomatic summit. World leaders are converging on Asia this week for two high-stakes diplomatic summits that will see China and the US engage in a battle for influence. The Apec leaders' meeting in Shenzhen, Beijing's southern technology hub, marks a significant moment in global politics as it brings together representatives from over 60% of the world's GDP. This economic powerhouse has long promoted free trade and multilateralism but this year's gathering may be defined by a trilateral meeting between Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin. The confirmed three-way meeting has drawn comparisons to the historic Yalta conference where US president Franklin D Roosevelt, Britain's Winston Churchill, and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin carved up post-war Europe. However, analysts warn that any "Yalta 2.0 would be unlikely to issue binding decisions on Ukraine or Taiwan without their involvement. The timing of Trump's visit is also noteworthy as it comes just two weeks after his party suffered losses in the midterm elections. Beijing may see this as an opportunity to further strengthen ties with Washington, while critics argue that the US leader's weakened position could be a major concern for regional security. The trilateral meeting will undoubtedly dominate discussions at Apec but other pressing issues such as trade and technology are also expected to take centre stage. With China keen to demonstrate its growing economic and technological prowess, tensions between Beijing and Washington are likely to remain high throughout the summit. The upcoming summits in Asia are expected to tackle pressing global issues, including AI supply chains and governance. These meetings come on the heels of a flurry of diplomatic gatherings, with Apec set to begin on Wednesday. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) meeting in the Philippines, starting on Sunday, is another key event that will draw world leaders. US officials have planned a sidelines meeting of the so-called Quad, comprising Australia, India, Japan and the US, while Trump attends the Asean gathering in Manila. Meanwhile, the Francophone summit is taking place concurrently in Cambodia, featuring notable attendees such as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron. Their presence underscores the significance of these regional gatherings. Critical global issues are set to dominate the discussions at these summits. The green energy transition, tariff reductions, and AI supply chains and governance will all be on the agenda. Trump has been vocal about his focus on denuclearisation, a topic that is likely to receive significant attention in the coming days. The regional dynamics at play are complex, with several key issues vying for attention. The South China Sea dispute, where Beijing has established massive military outposts in disputed waters, will be a major point of contention. Additionally, the Indonesian forest fire haze blanketing the region is causing widespread concern and will likely feature prominently in discussions. The presence of world leaders at these summits underscores their importance. With multiple issues competing for attention, it remains to be seen which topics will receive the most emphasis. The diplomatic maneuvering and potential breakthroughs, or impasses, that may arise from these gatherings are sure to captivate international observers. The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar has become an ongoing concern for international leaders, mirroring the long-standing dispute over Taiwan's status as a sovereign entity not recognized by China. In response to growing concerns about China's influence in the region, Washington has been actively engaging with Asian nations through diplomacy and trade deals. This strategy, known as the pivot to Asia", was first articulated by former President Barack Obama in 2011, when he declared that the US is a Pacific power committed to staying involved in regional affairs. The current administration under Joe Biden continues this approach, seeking to build alliances with countries looking to balance their relationships with both superpowers. Analysts suggest that Trump's more transactional style in Asia may be seen as an extension of this policy, but his unpredictability has raised concerns among smaller nations, who view China as a more reliable partner. Jayant Menon, an economist at Singapore's Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, notes that countries in south-east Asia are quietly working to reduce their dependence on the US by pursuing deals with other nations and international organizations. Regional integration and diversification are crucial for south-east Asia's ability to withstand another round of tariffs, as the region's economies remain heavily reliant on exports. The US administration has made it clear that tariffs will be levied by any means necessary, leaving countries in the region with limited options but to adapt and find new markets. South-east Asian nations have been quietly working to reduce their dependence on the US market by striking deals with other countries and international organizations. Beijing's policies may seem more predictable than those of its rivals, but they do not necessarily make China a more palatable partner for its regional neighbors. The upcoming Asean summit in Manila is likely to be tense, particularly when it comes to discussions about the South China Sea. The disputed waters have been a point of contention between Beijing and several countries in the region, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, Brunei, and the Philippines. China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, recently urged Manila to rein in politicians who he claimed had repeatedly smeared Beijing over the issue. Despite decades-long territorial standoffs, negotiations for a South China Sea pact have yet to yield results. The Asean summit this year is unlikely to see a breakthrough on this front, with negotiations set to continue next year when Singapore takes over as Asean's leader. Asean diplomats are preparing for a nuanced discussion on Myanmar's reintegration into the regional group, as each member country weighs its stance on the isolated nation. The timing of these summits coincides with an upcoming judgment in the international court of justice that could hold significant implications for Myanmar's leadership. The Asean summit's focus on Myanmar's reintegration is taking place against a backdrop of heightened tensions and uncertainty, particularly given the recent developments at the international court of justice. Meanwhile, Asia's week of high-level diplomacy will be followed by the G20 summit in Miami next month, where Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend if relations with the US remain stable. --- Source: [The Guardian Business](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/nov/15/asia-diplomatic-summits-trump-xi-putin-apec-asean) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/donald-trump-xi-jinping-vladimir-putin/