During secretive discussions in Beijing, Donald Trump advocated for a trilateral coalition between the United States, Russia, and China aimed at countering the International Criminal Court (ICC). The proposal emerged in a broader dialogue with Chinese President Xi Jinping, also covering the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to a Financial Times report.
Trump argued that these major powers shared a mutual interest in confronting the ICC, which his administration has long criticized for alleged politicization and excessive jurisdiction. The former president’s stance intensified following the court’s investigations involving American and Israeli officials, despite neither country being a party to the Rome Statute that created the ICC.
Trump’s administration has taken concrete steps against the court, including imposing sanctions on 11 ICC officials, such as the chief prosecutor and several judges. An executive order issued in early 2025 condemned the ICC’s actions as illegitimate and baseless, particularly regarding cases involving the United States and its ally Israel.
The reported suggestion for the US, Russia, and China to join forces reflects ongoing tensions, as Russia withdrew from the ICC in 2016 following disputes over Crimea, and China has consistently denied the court’s authority over its actions. These dynamics play into a complex international landscape where Trump attempts to recalibrate relations with Beijing while maintaining engagement with Vladimir Putin amid the Ukraine war.
Both the White House and the Chinese embassy in Washington declined to comment on the specifics of the talks. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin was expected to visit China for discussions with President Xi shortly after Trump’s meeting.