Russia in Global Affairs

After it was confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the APEC Summit in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for 18-19 November 2026, expectations have grown that a trilateral meeting of the three most powerful heads of state may mark a proactive strategic recalibration required by the exigencies of the current international situation.

China is undoubtedly exotic and enigmatic. But it is by no means marginal. In any configuration of a multipolar world, whether desirable or undesirable, regardless of how many centers it will have, China will be one of them.

In a nuclear multipolar world, coexistence is not idealism, it is the only rational path. Long-term stability hinges on both capitals: Washington acknowledging China’s legitimate aspirations for global governance reform and security, and Beijing continuing to provide the transparency and reassurance that addresses allied concerns.

The Ukraine war will eventually end. But the bigger question will remain: What kind of world will emerge from the ashes? One path leads towards continued division, turmoil, and the perpetuation of zero-sum rivalries. The other path leads towards peaceful coexistence. The choice hinges on the strategic decisions that major powers—particularly the U.S., Russia, China, and Europe—make in the coming months and years.

China is changing and adapting its policies to the arising challenges, while at the same time preserving its traditional philosophy and ancient culture. It does not abandon Confucius, nor Mao Zedong. It does not cling thoughtlessly to the past, but neither does it forsake its roots. China’s ascent, no longer peaceful but increasingly conflictive, can be expected to continue without interruption.

The Trumpist doctrine, like the liberal international order, endorses the imperialist dimension. The effects of unequal transactions, sanctions, and military action abroad continue in support of American political interests. An unresolved tension is found in the doctrine itself—between the promotion of peace and concurrently preparation for war.

While relations between Washington and Beijing are defined by uncertainty and suspicion Moscow and Beijing have constructed something far steadier: a relationship whose trajectory no longer depends on atmospherics or temporary political moods. And in an increasingly unstable international environment, that alone makes it significant.

Fyodor Lukyanov, Editor-in-Chief of Russia in Global Affairs magazine, has a conversation with T-House. He pointed out that the defining feature of China–Russia relations today is “stability.” High-level interactions between the two countries have become so frequent that there is no longer any need to deliberately create “special moments.”

There will be much talk this May about the so-called “strategic triangle” of Russia, China and the United States. Trump is expected in Beijing first, followed by Vladimir Putin’s visit to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. Whenever the leaders of the three most influential powers meet, speculation inevitably follows. What if they strike some grand bargain? What if the world suddenly becomes more orderly?