Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. Three powerful men, three different ambitions and one complicated world.
If the proposed November diplomatic discussion goes ahead, I believe we should pay close attention. This is not just another meeting for photographs, handshakes and carefully prepared speeches.
There is much more at stake.
Washington wants to protect its global influence. Moscow wants recognition of its security interests. Beijing wants to strengthen its position as a major world power.
Everyone has an agenda. Nobody comes to the table empty-handed.
THE NUCLEAR QUESTION
Trump has expressed interest in discussing nuclear weapons and reducing nuclear risks.
That is a good starting point. After all, nobody wins a nuclear war.
The United States and Russia possess the world's largest nuclear arsenals, while China is expanding its capabilities.
But here is the problem.
Why should China accept the same restrictions as Washington and Moscow when its nuclear arsenal is considerably smaller?
That is a question Beijing will not ignore.
UKRAINE: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
Even if Ukraine is not the main topic, it cannot simply disappear from the conversation.
Putin wants Russia's interests recognised. Ukraine wants its independence and security protected. Europe does not want a settlement that rewards military aggression.
Trump may want a quick diplomatic achievement, but peace cannot simply be negotiated over somebody else's head.
A handshake is easy. Trust is another matter.
AND THEN THERE IS IRAN
Let us not forget the Middle East.
The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has consequences far beyond the region.
Look at the Strait of Hormuz. Any serious disruption could affect oil supplies, shipping costs and economies across Asia.
China has a major interest in energy security. Russia has its own geopolitical and economic calculations. Washington must also consider the cost of maintaining its military commitments.
Three countries, different interests, but one shared concern: nobody wants an international crisis that becomes too expensive to control.
SO, WHO WINS?
My position is simple.
I am not here to defend Trump, Putin or Xi.
If Trump can bring genuine nuclear negotiations forward, good. If Putin is prepared to support meaningful de-escalation, even better. If Xi can help reduce international tensions, that deserves recognition.
But all three should be judged by their actions, not their speeches.
Ukraine must not become a bargaining chip. Iran's security concerns cannot simply be ignored. Smaller countries must not be forgotten just because the big boys have decided to sit together.
There is an old saying: when elephants fight, the grass suffers.
And unfortunately, the grass is usually made up of ordinary people.
ONE LAST NOTE BEFORE CLOSING THE FILE
I would watch this proposed meeting very carefully.
Not just what these three leaders say, but what they refuse to say.
Watch the concessions. Watch the body language. Watch who makes the first move and who walks away with the better deal.
Sometimes the most important information is hidden between the lines.
And to the gentlemen who understand this particular business, perhaps we should leave the briefing papers aside this weekend.
A quiet corner, a decent "gin and tonic", and a little conversation about global security might be worthwhile.
No cameras, no grand speeches. Just professional curiosity and a healthy respect for discretion.
After all, not every conversation needs to make tomorrow's headlines.
Diary closed.
The world has enough weapons. What it needs now is a little more wisdom from the people who control them.
Take the good, discard the bad. Ambil yang jernih, buang yang keruh.
And gentlemen, remember this:
Winning a war is one thing. Knowing how to prevent the next one is quite another.
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