U.S. President Donald Trump expressed discomfort with China’s military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II victory. In a post on social media, President Trump questioned whether Chinese President Xi Jinping would acknowledge the substantial support and “blood” the U.S. provided to help China secure its freedom against hostile foreign invaders. He emphasized that many Americans died in the process of seeking victory and glory with China, and he hoped they would be duly honored and remembered for their courage and sacrifice.
These remarks come amid observations that China might be downplaying the U.S.’s role and attempting to rewrite the history of World War II. Notably, leaders from China, North Korea, and Russia attended the parade together for the first time in 66 years, sparking assessments that it was a demonstration of opposition to Western powers.
President Trump also made specific references to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who attended the parade. He asked to send his warmest regards to Putin and Kim amidst a collusion against the U.S.
Kim and Putin were seated beside Xi, highlighting their special status in relations with China. Foreign media interpreted this scene as Xi sending a message of solidarity among nations united by their anti-American stance to the international community.
President Trump has previously emphasized personal relationships with authoritarian leaders like Kim and Putin, claiming that these connections could yield diplomatic results.