Trump Accuses China Of Plotting Against US As Xi Flexes Military Power Alongside Putin

President Donald Trump said Tuesday night that China was conspiring with North Korea and Russia as it conducted a massive military parade. 

China’s military parade, to celebrate Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II, was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. In a Truth Social post, Trump said the three were working to “conspire” against the United States and pondered whether China would recognize America’s World War II contributions. 

“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 from a very unfriendly foreign invader,” Trump wrote. “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! May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.”

During the parade, China showcased a wide array of military equipment and capabilities, including an underwater drone, hypersonic missiles, an intercontinental ballistic missile, and fighter jets. 

“The Chinese people are a people that are not afraid of violence and are self-reliant and strong,” Chinese President Xi Jinping said, according to the Associated Press. “The Chinese people’s rejuvenation cannot be blocked, and the noble goal of the peaceful development of human civilization must triumph.”

Russia pushed back on Trump’s conspiracy allegations. 

“Let’s hope that it was meant in some figurative sense,” said Putin spokesman Dmitri Peskov. “No one is plotting any conspiracies — no one has the desire or the time for this.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump said that he didn’t think the military parade was a “challenge” to the United States. 

“China needs us and I have a very good relationship with President Xi as you know. But China needs us much more then we need them,” Trump said. “I had, actually, a very good meeting with President Putin a couple of weeks ago. We’ll see if anything comes of it. If it doesn’t, we’ll take a different stance.”

The Trump administration is currently working to negotiate a trade deal with China after months of back-and-forth tariffs. Last month, Trump signed a 90-day pause on higher tariffs on China as the two sides continue to work out a deal.