Potential Nuclear Arms Talks Between the US, Russia, and China at Upcoming APEC Summit in China

US, Russian, and Chinese Leaders May Meet at China-Hosted APEC Summit

According to Рубрика — Політика: Next week, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in China could bring together the leaders of the United States, Russia, and China for high-stakes discussions focused on nuclear non-proliferation. This meeting is especially timely as the New START treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between Washington and Moscow, is set to expire in February 2026.

Originally signed in 2010 and extended for five years in 2021, the New START treaty limits the number of strategic delivery systems and nuclear warheads each side can deploy to 700 and 1,550 respectively. Despite the treaty's significance, US officials remain skeptical about reaching a new agreement during the upcoming talks. The agenda is also expected to include discussions on Iran’s nuclear program.

Outlook on a Possible Three-Way Summit

China has yet to confirm President Xi Jinping’s participation in a trilateral meeting, though bilateral talks are scheduled. Moscow has not ruled out the possibility of a three-party dialogue, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicating signs of willingness for such discussions during the summit. Earlier this year, Russia’s Foreign Ministry noted that New START might lapse after 2026, and that talks to reinstate arms control inspections had been halted since November 2022. No consensus has been reached on timing for renewed negotiations.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha expressed concern that involving the US, China, and Russia in these talks could embolden President Putin to continue his war against Ukraine. He warned that inviting the Russian leader to meet with the US and Chinese presidents would enhance Putin’s sense of international legitimacy and importance-status he does not deserve.

The Chinese side is organizing the event, and confirmation on whether the trilateral meeting will take place is expected soon.

Andriy Sybiha: 'Inviting the Russian leader to meet with the US and Chinese presidents would boost his sense of self-importance.'

This potential summit carries significant implications for global military and diplomatic relations, particularly concerning nuclear security. With rising tensions among these powers and the pending expiration of the New START treaty, the need for dialogue is critical. At the same time, Ukrainian officials caution that granting Russia greater international stature through such talks could negatively impact the conflict in Ukraine.

As discussions unfold around potential nuclear arms negotiations, it's important to consider the implications of these talks on the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Recent statements from China suggest a lack of commitment to a trilateral summit focused on this issue, which raises questions about the effectiveness of multilateral diplomacy in addressing regional tensions. For a deeper analysis of China’s stance and its impact on international relations, read more about the current situation regarding the Ukraine conflict.