China has publicly expressed approval of the Trump–Putin summit, interpreting it as a pivotal moment in global diplomacy. According to China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, ongoing contact between the U.S. and Russia is “gladly” welcomed.

However, there’s more at play beneath the surface. Analysts argue the summit serves as a litmus test for Xi Jinping on how future negotiations between the U.S. and China may unfold—especially on sensitive issues like trade, Taiwan, and spheres of influence. If Trump signals a willingness to broker a deal favoring Russia in Ukraine, it sends a powerful message: transactional diplomacy works. China could then adopt a similar approach.

The summit also underscores shifting global dynamics, positioning the U.S., Russia, and China as increasingly co-equal players in international negotiations. This could be seen as a disruption of the traditional Western-dominated diplomatic norms—something Beijing is both watching and learning from.

In short, Xi’s interest in the Alaska summit lies in gauging whether a pragmatic, deal-driven diplomacy—with minimal ideological friction—can be replicated in U.S.–China relations. If the Trump–Putin dialogue yields concessions, it sets a precedent that transactional bargaining trumps longstanding alliances—something Beijing could exploit strategically.

Will Trump Meet With Xi After His Summit With Putin?

There are still plenty of variables and unknowns as Trump and Putin prepare to sit down together on August 15 that could set discouraging precedents for Xi.

In recent days, Trump has tried to play down expectations for the summit, referring to it as a “feel-out meeting” and that he’s not expecting to emerge from the meeting with a concrete agreement.

The US president is also in close contact with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders ahead of the meeting and said he will speak with them again “right after the meeting.”