Trump, Putin, Kim: What China’s Diplomatic Triple Play Reveals
US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean President Kim Jong Un have all become central figures in Chinese President Xi Jinping’s latest diplomatic push, as Beijing navigates relations with the US, Russia and North Korea in rapid succession. Just days after hosting Trump in Beijing, Xi welcomed Putin for talks on a “multipolar world,” while reports suggest a visit to Pyongyang could soon follow. Together, these moves raise questions about China’s broader strategy and ambitions. Is Beijing seeking strategic stability with Washington while strengthening ties with fellow authoritarian powers—or positioning itself as the central power in a new regional order? In this episode, we examine China’s diplomatic triple play and what it means for Taiwan, Northeast Asia and the global balance of power. *Recorded on May 28, 2026 at 3:15pm Taiwan Standard Time Host: Wen-Ti Sung Producer: Chinyeh Chiang Our guests: William Stanton - Former American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Lai I-chung - Prospect Foundation President
