Explained: China confirms discussions are underway on a historic Xi-Trump-Putin meeting

China's foreign ministry confirmed for the first time it is discussing a meeting between Xi Jinping, Trump and Putin

APEC

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, a 21-member grouping that includes the U.S. and Russia

trade truce

A fragile agreement between the U.S. and China set to expire in January

rare earths

Critical minerals that the U.S. wants China to continue supplying under past commitments

trilateral

A meeting involving three parties, referenced regarding the potential Xi-Trump-Putin summit