Beijing has confirmed for the first time that it is discussing a historic meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, said at a press briefing this week in Beijing that China "is in communication with relevant parties regarding a meeting between the three heads of state." Nothing is set, but the three-leader gathering would take place this month on the sidelines of a regional summit in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen.

If it happens, it would be historic.