The optics of such a meeting – even if a photo-op is the only result – might backfire against China, and Beijing seems to be aware of this risk (Joyce N. Boghosian/White House, Ricardo Stuckert/Palácio do Planalto, Sergei Bobylev, TASS/Kremlin)

A trilateral summit lets Washington look powerful, but it could cost Beijing dearly with Europe.