Donald Trump has reacted sharply to the military parade held in Beijing on the 80th anniversary commemorating the surrender of Japan in World War II. His remarks, posted on Truth Social on 2 September 2025, Eastern Daylight Time, centered on accusations that China, Russia, and North Korea were presenting a united front against the United States.
The particular event, held on 3 September 2025, local Beijing time, featured Chinese President Xi Jinping hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a highly choreographed display of solidarity. The presence of the three leaders could be regarded as something that symbolized an unsettling shift in the global balance of power.
President Trump began his response with what seemed a cordial message and neutral gesture directed toward the Chinese president. He specifically called on him to relish a “lasting day of celebration.” However, he immediately reminded Xi that American sacrifices in blood and resources were crucial to the survival of China during the Second World War.
The U.S. President concluded his online message with a pointed display of sarcasm, directly mentioning Russian President Putin and North Korean leader Kim by name. He requested that Xi deliver his “warmest regards” to both men, while asserting that the trio were conspiring against the United States, a declaration that immediately captured global media attention.
Xi Jinping lauded the People’s Liberation Army during the parade and regarded it as a heroic force that had safeguarded national survival in moments of grave peril. He pledged that China would continue to remain independent, resilient, and strong, while framing his speech as both a celebration of historical endurance and a solemn reminder of wartime unity.
The presence of the three leaders together presented a striking image. Though the regimes suffer significant internal challenges, including the economic slowdown of China, the prolonged conflict of Russia with Ukraine, and the reliance of North Korea on other countries, their coordinated symbolism demonstrated the image of an established anti-Western bloc.
Note that the relationship between Russia, China, and North Korea represents a highly strategic convergence of authoritarian powers. Each seeks to bolster influence in a rapidly shifting global landscape. The three countries have also been viewed as anti-Western since the Cold War. Putin and China also remain critical geopolitical powers in their respective regions.
Xi had set up the meeting with Putin and Kim earlier. Trump has also earlier expressed his interest in meeting the North Korean leader following his meeting with Putin in Alaska last August 2025. The move of Xi could be interpreted as an attempt to position China as a critical player that can influence or mediate between Washington, Pyongyang, and Moscow.
Photo Credit: President of Russia / Kremlin.ru / Military Parade in Beijing / 3 September 2025 / Adapted / CC BY-4.0