US President Donald Trump has accused his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping of conspiring with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un against the United States.
Trump’s remarks came as Beijing staged its largest-ever Victory Day military parade on Wednesday, showcasing China’s military power to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote:
“Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un as you conspire against the United States of America.”
The three leaders were seen together at the Tiananmen Square event, which was attended by 26 heads of state in what analysts viewed as a symbolic display of defiance against the West.
US-China tensions
Trump reminded followers of the American sacrifices during World War II, writing: “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!”
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The US president has long framed his tariff war with China as essential to protecting American industries, while dismissing concerns that Beijing’s deepening ties with Moscow and Pyongyang pose a strategic threat.
Asked by the BBC whether China was attempting to form an anti-US coalition, Trump said:
“No. Not at all. China needs us. I have a very good relationship with President Xi… but China needs us much more than we need them.”
‘Very disappointed’ in Putin
In a separate radio interview, Trump downplayed fears of a “new axis” forming between Russia and China, insisting that the US military would deter any potential aggression.
“America has the most powerful military forces in the world… they would never use their military forces against us,” he told the Scott Jennings radio show. “That would be the worst thing they could ever do.”
However, Trump admitted he was “very disappointed” in Putin after the two leaders failed to secure a peace deal for Ukraine during their Alaska meeting last month.
“I’m very disappointed in President Putin, I can say that. But we will be doing something to help people live in Ukraine,” Trump added, without providing details.
China has refused to criticise Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and has been accused by Western governments of indirectly aiding Moscow through oil purchases and sales of dual-use materials — claims Beijing denies.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that Russia was engaged in a fresh troop build-up along parts of the frontline, reiterating that Putin “refuses to be forced into peace.”
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