Putin’s hopes for ‘productive’ Apec fan talk of summit with Xi and Trump

A meeting next month between the leaders of the world’s three biggest nuclear powers is possible but hinges on the three sides finding common ground and setting realistic expectations about outcomes, according to analysts.National Day congratulations from Moscow to Beijing on Thursday fanned speculation that the leaders of China, Russia and the United States could meet at the Apec summit in Shenzhen next month.In a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said his meeting with Xi at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum would be “productive” and help strengthen the two countries’ comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation.US President Donald Trump is also expected to attend the forum, which will be Putin’s first since 2017.