US President Donald Trump on Wednesday hit out at Chinese President Xi Jinping for hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at Beijing’s military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
In a sarcastic remark on Truth Social, Trump wrote that Xi should convey his “warm regards” to Putin and Kim while accusing the trio of plotting to “conspire against The United States of America.”
Xi, Putin, Kim at Tiananmen Square
The three leaders — Xi, Putin, and Kim — were seen walking together on the red carpet at Tiananmen Square, with Putin to Xi’s right and Kim to his left. Visuals showed Kim Jong Un, who rarely travels abroad, shaking hands with Xi Jinping, while Putin and Xi exchanged greetings once again following their recent meeting at the SCO Summit in Tianjin.
Several other SCO leaders, including Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, also attended the parade.
Trump’s Reminder of US Role in WWII
In his post, Trump reminded China of America’s contribution during World War II.
“Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory. I hope 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,” Trump wrote.
He stressed that the US had shed “blood” to help China secure freedom from “a very unfriendly foreign invader” — a reference to Japan’s invasion in the 1930s and 40s.
Xi’s Message: China ‘Unstoppable’
In his speech at the parade, Xi declared China was “unstoppable” and framed the present era as another decisive moment for humanity:
“Humanity is again faced with a choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, and win-win outcomes or zero-sum games.”
Reiterating his earlier criticism of Western policies, Xi added: “The Chinese nation is never intimidated by any bullies and always forges ahead.”
Backdrop of Rising US-China Tensions
The Beijing parade comes just days after the SCO Summit in Tianjin, where Xi urged member states, including India, to unite against “bullying behaviour, Cold War mentality, and camp confrontation.”
The show of solidarity between Xi, Putin, and Kim — three leaders often at odds with Washington — highlights shifting alliances as global rivalries deepen, particularly amid trade disputes and military standoffs involving the US.
