Donald Trump has hit out after Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un stood side by side in Beijing for a lavish military parade. The event marked the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in the Second World War and brought together 26 world leaders. Western figures were absent, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, sparking questions over who was invited and why.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to question the tone of the ceremony. He pointed out that while China had suffered greatly during the war, it was the United States that had played the decisive role in defeating Japan. He said he hoped America’s sacrifices would be honoured and remembered. In typical style, he added a pointed remark aimed at Putin and Kim, sarcastically sending them his “warmest regards” before suggesting they were conspiring against America.
The former president described the parade as beautiful and impressive, while criticising Xi for failing to acknowledge U.S. involvement. Trump insisted that the support provided by America during the conflict was monumental and deserved recognition on such a stage.
Observers were quick to interpret the gathering as a carefully crafted show of strength. The display included advanced weapons, hypersonic missiles and AI-assisted systems, underscoring China’s ambitions on the global stage. Xi used the opportunity to frame his country as unstoppable and on a path to rejuvenation, with renewed calls for unification with Taiwan.
For Trump, the optics of Putin, Xi and Kim together were impossible to ignore. He suggested the trio had deliberately put on a performance designed for him to see, a calculated attempt to highlight their alignment in contrast to the West. Analysts noted that such an image was symbolic of a growing bloc of authoritarian leaders keen to demonstrate unity in the face of Western influence.
Kim Jong Un’s appearance drew particular attention. It was the first time in six years that he had travelled to China, and the rare opportunity to be pictured with both Putin and Xi raised speculation about North Korea’s role in the shifting balance of power. After his departure, reports even noted staff meticulously cleaning and wiping down the furniture he had used, adding another layer of mystery to his carefully stage-managed presence.
Within the United States, Trump’s reaction is likely to intensify debates about his foreign policy approach. Supporters see his blunt warnings as a sign he refuses to shy away from the realities of global threats. Critics argue that his statements risk escalating tensions and giving credibility to authoritarian leaders.
The Beijing parade was always going to be more than a commemoration. It was a demonstration of military might, political influence and strategic alliances. For Trump, the exclusion of American recognition struck a nerve. Whether it was a deliberate snub or a calculated omission, it has set the stage for further confrontation between Washington and its rivals.
