President Donald Trump accused Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un of conspiring against the United States in a Truth Social post directed at Xi during a military parade in Beijing. The accusation came as the three leaders gathered for China’s Victory Day celebration, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, which showcased China’s military modernization and growing geopolitical tensions.
Trump’s post on Truth Social read, “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.” He also referenced the historical support the U.S. provided China during WWII, emphasizing that many Americans died in the conflict and should be honored for their bravery and sacrifice. This public accusation contrasted with Trump’s earlier statements downplaying concerns about an axis between these nations.
Earlier in the day, Trump had expressed on a radio show that he was “not concerned at all” about China and Russia forming an alliance, citing U.S. military superiority and confidence that they would never use military force against America. He described such an action as “the worst thing they could ever do,” reflecting his belief in deterrence through strength. However, his later social media post indicated a shift in tone as he watched the events unfold.
The military parade in Beijing was a grandiose display of China’s hypersonic missiles, drones, and fighter jets, attended by 26 heads of state, including leaders from Iran and other countries often at odds with the West. Xi Jinping declared China “unstoppable” and called for a global choice between peace and war, positioning China as a counterweight to the U.S.-led international order amid ongoing trade and diplomatic strains.
The Kremlin swiftly denied Trump’s accusations, with foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov stating that “no one was plotting any conspiracies” and hoping there was irony in Trump’s words. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov added that their actions were for the benefit of their peoples’ interests, not against third countries, emphasizing cooperation rather than confrontation.
Trump also voiced disappointment in Putin for the lack of progress in Ukraine peace talks, following their meeting in Alaska last month. He hinted that the U.S. would “be doing something to help people live” in Ukraine but provided no specifics, as Russia continues its attacks and North Korea has sent troops to support the war effort, with Kim Jong Un promising further assistance to Moscow.
China has maintained a stance of neutrality in the Ukraine conflict but has provided Russia with economic and diplomatic support, including purchases of oil and dual-use materials, which the West criticizes as aiding the war effort. The gathering of these leaders highlighted strengthening ties among authoritarian states, challenging Western influence and cohesion.
Experts note that the war in Ukraine has acted as a catalyst for this alignment, with countries like China, Russia, and North Korea forming a more unified bloc against U.S. interests. This event underscores the complex and often contradictory nature of international relations under Trump’s presidency, where diplomatic efforts are interspersed with public confrontations.
The implications of this accusation and the leaders’ united front suggest a deepening divide in global politics, with potential impacts on future negotiations, security policies, and economic relations. As tensions persist, the world watches how these dynamics will evolve and influence peace and stability in regions like Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific.
