Trump to push nuclear-arms cuts with Putin and Xi in China

U.S. President Donald Trump plans to discuss nuclear-arms reduction with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting in China next week. White House spokesperson Olivia Wales stated on a call with reporters that the discussion will happen on Thursday, November 19, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Shenzhen.

Beijing's Stance

Mr. Trump's push for the three leaders to focus on nuclear arms has upset China, which is hosting a summit focused on trade and commerce. China has turned down attempts to discuss nuclear arms with Russia and the United States, which hold the largest stockpiles of such weapons. Beijing has argued for years that it is more fitting for Russia and the U.S. to talk directly about their large arsenals.

Expectations

A senior Trump administration official said they do not expect any kind of agreement from the meeting. The official noted that Russia holds the most stored nuclear warheads, followed by the United States and China, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty between the U.S. and Russia expired this year. It remains unclear if Russia or China plan to engage in the arms reduction conversation.

Other Topics

Mr. Trump will also raise the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran during the talks, but is not expected to discuss Russia's war in Ukraine. The official stated that Mr. Trump will not have a one-on-one meeting with Mr. Putin. Elon Musk is joining Mr. Trump on the Asia trip, which also includes a stop in the Philippines, but Mr. Musk will not attend the meeting with Mr. Xi and Mr. Putin. Mr. Trump is also not expected to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on the trip.

Context

Nuclear arms control treaties have historically been bilateral agreements mainly between Washington and Moscow due to their massive arsenals. Bringing Beijing into such talks marks a major policy push by Washington, as China works to expand its own military capabilities.