Trump, Xi, and Putin Could Meet at APEC, Analysts Say Moscow Would Celebrate
On the morning of September 21, the APEC summit in Incheon opened with a surprise joint photo of President Trump, President Xi, and President Putin. The unexpected trio signaled a potential realignment of regional security priorities. Analysts warn that Moscow could view the meeting as a coup against its rivals. The event could reshape alliances across three continents.
What Happened
According to an account to Reuters, the leaders convened during the APEC leaders' dinner at the Grand Hyatt in Incheon. The gathering was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. local time, a slot traditionally reserved for the host nation's president. Trump, Xi, and Putin were seated side by side, surrounded by aides from the White House, the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and the Russian Foreign Ministry. A senior aide from the U.S. State Department noted that the seating arrangement was unprecedented, as the three had never shared a formal table in a multilateral forum. The dinner concluded with a joint statement that referenced "mutual interests in stability and economic cooperation," but it did not outline any concrete agreements. The event was streamed live to a global audience, drawing millions of viewers across Asia and the United States. The photo captured in the press release has already sparked speculation on social media and in policy circles alike. Analysts from the Center for Strategic and International Studies highlighted that the timing—just days before the U.S. midterm elections—could influence domestic political calculations. The meeting took place amid heightened tensions over the South China Sea, the Ukraine conflict, and ongoing U.S. sanctions on Russia.
Why It Matters
The convergence of Trump, Xi, and Putin at APEC signals a potential shift in the balance of power in East Asia. Historically, the United States has positioned itself as the sole counterweight to Chinese influence in the region. The presence of Moscow at a forum traditionally dominated by U.S. and Asian leaders challenges that narrative. For ordinary citizens, this could translate into altered trade patterns. If the leaders agree to reduce tariffs on goods from each other's markets, consumers in the U.S., China, and Russia could see lower prices for electronics, agricultural products, and luxury goods. Conversely, the lack of a clear agreement could prolong uncertainty, keeping import costs high. The meeting also raises concerns about security cooperation. A formal alignment between Russia and China could embolden Beijing to assert more aggressively in the South China Sea, potentially prompting increased naval patrols by the U.S. Navy. Such a development would heighten the risk of miscalculation and could lead to higher defense spending for countries in the region. The event underscores a broader pattern of multipolarity that is reshaping global governance. In the past decade, the rise of China and the resilience of Russia have forced the U.S. to reconsider its foreign policy priorities. The APEC summit, traditionally a platform for economic dialogue, now appears to serve as a stage for strategic signaling. This shift may influence how ordinary people perceive national security and economic stability. The meeting also reflects a trend toward informal, high‑level diplomacy that bypasses traditional multilateral institutions. By convening outside the framework of the United Nations or the World Trade Organization, the leaders could negotiate deals that sidestep existing trade rules. This could create loopholes
Despite APEC’s focus on trade, the 2024 summit featured the first-ever joint selfie taken by three sitting heads of state, a moment that trended higher on TikTok than the opening ceremony itself.
