Donald Trump has accused the leaders of China, Russia and North Korea of conspiring against the United States during a vast military parade in Beijing marking 80 years since Japan’s defeat in the Second World War.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, the US president offered his congratulations to China on the anniversary but took a swipe at President Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un.
“May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration,” he wrote. “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.”
Xi, flanked by Putin and Kim, presided over the largest military parade in China’s history. The three leaders walked together down a red carpet before taking their seats to watch aerial displays, marching troops and a procession of missiles and tanks in Tiananmen Square.
Trump went on to question whether Xi would acknowledge America’s contribution to China’s wartime resistance against Japan. “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,” he said. “Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory. I hope that they are rightfully Honoured and Remembered for their Bravery and Sacrifice!”
The intervention comes as Trump’s administration continues negotiations on a long-term trade agreement with Beijing. Earlier this month, he signed an executive order extending a tariff truce for a further 90 days, preventing US tariffs on Chinese imports from jumping from 30 per cent to 145 per cent. China, in turn, agreed to keep its 10 per cent levy on American goods from soaring to 125 per cent while talks continue.
At the same time, Trump is seeking to broker an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Putin has so far resisted direct talks with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, instead continuing missile strikes against civilian areas while maintaining negotiations with Washington.
