Australia has formally endorsed the upcoming historic summit between Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin, even as European leaders express deep reservations about the potential outcomes. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the Australian government views the proposed dialogue as a positive step, though he emphasized that the clear message to the Russian president must be an end to the war in Ukraine.
The three-way meeting is scheduled to take place in Shenzhen, China, coinciding with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) gathering. The event has drawn comparisons to the 1945 Yalta Conference, where Allied leaders redrew the map of post-war Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that such talks must not result in a redistribution of global influence or the abandonment of his country, which has been at war for more than four years following the full-scale invasion by Putin.
Albanese calls for constructive dialogue
Speaking in Manila on Sunday ahead of a Quad leaders meeting and Asean summit discussions, Albanese welcomed the prospect of high-level engagement. He noted the significance of President Trump attending both Asean and Apec events, alongside the Quad gathering.
“We think that dialogue is a good thing and we await the outcome of that dialogue,” Albanese said. “We want to see something constructive come out of that, including we want to see a de-escalation in the conflicts around the world.”
When asked if he would join the traditional Apec group photograph with Putin, Albanese indicated he would consider the wishes of China, the host nation. However, he made it clear that Australia opposes the invasion and that any interaction would include a firm statement of that position.
“If he’s in a room where I am, I’m sure they’ll hear my contribution,” Albanese said. He added that the summit would not diminish the efforts of middle powers, including Australia and Canada, to increase their influence in global affairs. He stressed that Ukraine’s struggle is not just about sovereignty but also about upholding the international rule of law.
European leaders urge coordination
While Australia welcomed the talks, European leaders have urged the United States to maintain close coordination with its allies. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told EU leaders on Friday that he wanted to send a clear message to the US: “please, no surprises.” He urged Washington to stay on “Team Europe and Team Ukraine” and to work together for a genuine peace in Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in, warning against forcing an “unjust peace” on Ukraine. He described such an outcome as a “spirit of defeat” and a recipe for future conflict. Zelenskyy has similarly warned against the talks becoming a “Yalta 2, 3, 4,” invoking the historical precedent where great powers carved up influence without regard for smaller nations.
Historian Timothy Garton Ash has described the trilateral summit as a “parody” of Yalta. Analysts suggest that major decisions regarding Ukraine or China’s ambitions in Taiwan are unlikely to be finalized without the direct involvement of those affected parties.
Regional security and defense ties
Amid the diplomatic maneuvering, Albanese signed a new defense agreement with the Philippines on Sunday. The visit included a stop at the Port of Manila to board the supply ship HMAS Stalwart. Australia is working to strengthen the Philippines’ defensive capabilities against Chinese aggression in the region.
Further freedom-of-navigation naval exercises are planned to counter Beijing’s efforts to influence the South and East China seas. This comes after a recent G20 foreign ministers’ meeting where a group photo was canceled by US officials after a third of participants, including Australia’s Penny Wong, refused to stand alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Source: The Guardian
