President Donald Trump sent his warmest regards to the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea on Wednesday.
The pleasantries, however, included a surprising twist. In the same statement, he accused Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un of working together against the United States as they attended a grand military parade in Beijing.
The impressive show of missiles and marching soldiers, which concluded with the release of 80,000 doves over the Chinese capital, was interpreted by the American president as having a more ominous undertone than what appeared on the surface.
“May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a memorable and joyous day of celebration,” Trump expressed in a message on Truth Social. “Please extend my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you collaborate against The United States of America.”
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The Kremlin, continuing its conflict with Ukraine despite Trump’s appeals for peace, dismissed these allegations.
“There were no schemes, no plotting whatsoever,” stated foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov on state television on Wednesday. “In fact, no one even entertained such an idea.”
Ushakov said he suspected — and hoped — that there was at least a little irony in Trump’s ire.
Conspiracy or not, the parade and its trio of high-profile attendees served as an unmistakable message to Trump and others watching in the West.
Xi boldly proclaimed that China was “unstoppable” and emphasized that humanity must decide between peace and conflict. He detailed his vision of an alternative to the U.S.-driven world order, which has faced additional challenges during the Trump period.
On the surface, the “Victory Day” parade marked the 80th anniversary of Imperial Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II. In practice, it was a colossal display of strength, showcasing hypersonic missiles, drones, and fighter jets as part of Xi’s push to modernize the military and challenge the West.
A host of countries at odds with the U.S. and its allies were in attendance for this display of unity by the “Axis of Upheaval.” No U.S. delegation was present, but one notable American seemed to be watching on.
Earlier in the day, Trump had struck a more relaxed tone, telling The Scott Jennings Radio Show he was “not concerned at all” about China and Russia possibly forming an axis.
“We have the strongest military in the world by far,” he said. “They would never use their military on us, believe me. That would be the worst thing they could ever do.”
But he sounded more concerned later.
In his Truth Social post, Trump mentioned the “massive amount of support and ‘blood’” the U.S. gave China during World War Two.
“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!”
