Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska: How is China viewing it?

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Deutsche Welle or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The Trump-Putin summit in Alaska has drawn close attention from Beijing, as Washington and Moscow signaled movement toward potential security guarantees for Ukraine
• While US envoy Steve Witkoff claimed Russia made concessions by accepting NATO-like protection for Ukraine, Trump appeared to shift from pressing Russia toward a ceasefire to urging Kyiv to accept territorial concessions
• China, a key Russian partner, welcomed “all efforts” for peace but emphasized caution on sensitive issues like Taiwan

🔭 The context: China has long portrayed itself as a neutral mediator in the Ukraine war, though it maintains close economic and political ties with Moscow
• Since 2022, Beijing has avoided condemning Russia’s invasion while calling for negotiations
• The Alaska meeting offers Beijing insights into Trump’s negotiation style, which experts describe as transactional, unpredictable, and aligned with China’s preference for sidelining ideological disputes in diplomacy

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The outcome of US-Russia talks could shape global energy markets, sanctions regimes, and international security architecture — all of which intersect with climate and trade agendas
• China’s continued purchase of Russian oil undercuts Western sanctions, while the US response (tariffs, potential secondary sanctions) could realign supply chains and geopolitical alliances
• Stability or escalation in Ukraine directly affects Europe’s energy transition and global cooperation on climate diplomacy

⏭️ What's next: Trump will meet Zelenskyy and European leaders in Washington on Monday to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine
• Beijing will likely continue observing whether Trump’s willingness to trade territory for peace signals broader flexibility in US foreign policy
• For China, the summit offers lessons for handling future negotiations with Washington on trade, technology, and Taiwan
• However, analysts remain skeptical that Beijing will fundamentally shift its Ukraine stance or distance itself from Moscow in the near term.

💬 One quote: “It gives off a vibe that everything’s up for negotiation… That’s music to China’s ears,” — Wen-Ti Sung of the Atlantic Council

📈 One stat: China and India together account for the majority of Russia’s seaborne oil exports, with China consistently importing more than 1.8 million barrels per day of Russian crude in 2023

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