Will China–Russia Friendship End? How Successful Will America’s Strategy Be?
New Delhi : The shifting chessboard of global diplomacy has now turned its spotlight on the triangular ties between the United States, China, and Russia. According to a CNN report, U.S. President Donald Trump and his top advisers are preparing to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) trade ministers’ meeting in South Korea later this October. Speculation is rife that Trump may meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during the summit. Officials quoted by CNN confirmed that a bilateral meeting has been seriously discussed, though no concrete plan has yet been finalized.
The summit, scheduled to be held in Gyeongju between late October and early November, is being seen as a possible opening for Washington to test Beijing’s position amid its growing closeness with Moscow. Since the Ukraine war, China and Russia have strengthened their partnership, raising concerns in Western capitals. Analysts suggest that any Trump–Xi meeting could be a key U.S. move to attempt to disrupt this alignment.
However, the crucial question remains: Can Washington’s diplomatic maneuvering really drive a wedge between Beijing and Moscow, or will the two powers prioritize their shared strategic interests and resist U.S. pressure?
CNN further reported that last month Xi Jinping had extended an invitation to Trump and his wife to visit China, an offer Trump accepted in principle, though no dates have been fixed. A White House official told CNN the visit would focus on economic cooperation, trade, defense, and civilian nuclear collaboration—while also serving as a potential opportunity to attract fresh investment into the U.S.
Significantly, Trump’s visit may also place him once again in a possible meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Although Kim’s participation is uncertain, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung recently invited Trump to the APEC summit, hinting that it could pave the way for another Trump–Kim encounter.
Speaking to reporters, Trump openly welcomed the idea, saying:“I would do that, and we will talk. He would like to meet me. We are eager to meet him, and we will improve the relationship.”
Experts believe the potential high-level interactions come at a delicate time, with Washington’s ties with both Beijing and Pyongyang strained. How far the U.S. can leverage diplomacy to reshape the China–Russia equation remains an open question.
