Donald Trump on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accusing them of plotting against the United States as they gathered in Beijing for a grand military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II.
In a post on Truth Social, the US President said he expected Xi to acknowledge the role of American soldiers who fought in China during the war. He reminded Beijing of the “massive amount of support and blood" provided by the United States at that time.
“The big question to be answered is whether or not President Xi of China will mention the massive amount of support and ‘blood’ that The United States of America gave to China in order to help it to secure its FREEDOM from a very unfriendly foreign invader," Trump wrote.
“Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory. I hope that they are rightfully Honored and Remembered for their Bravery and Sacrifice! May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration," he added.
Taking a swipe at the gathering of Xi, Putin and Kim, Trump further said: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America."
The Beijing parade featured China’s latest military advancements, including modern jet fighters, missiles, and electronic warfare systems, highlighting its growing defense capabilities.
The event was attended by 26 foreign leaders, among them Putin, Kim, and leaders from Iran, Malaysia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, and Central Asian nations. From South Asia, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu were present. Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan welcomed all foreign dignitaries.
The commemoration recalled the millions of Chinese lives lost during the prolonged conflict with imperial Japan in the 1930s and 40s, which later became part of the wider global war after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
The joint appearance of Xi, Putin, and Kim at such a parade was widely interpreted as a show of strength aimed at Washington and Trump, who had previously sought to bring Putin and Kim closer to the US.
Their meeting in Beijing came shortly after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s talks with Xi and Putin took center stage against the backdrop of Trump imposing 50 per cent tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil.
Meanwhile, Japan expressed displeasure over the participation of world leaders in the event, urging them not to attend. This added a diplomatic edge to the parade, which was officially held to mark China’s resistance against Japanese aggression in World War II.