Chinese state media has mocked an apparent spike in pizza orders near the Pentagon during Beijing’s Victory Day parade, suggesting that in the US close attention was paid to the event, which American President Donald Trump called “very, very impressive”.
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On Wednesday afternoon, Yuyuan Tantian, a social media account affiliated with China’s state broadcaster CCTV, released a video saying customer traffic data from Domino’s near the Pentagon was more than four times its usual level around 9pm, and at the nearby Papa John’s restaurant it had tripled at the same time.
“Coincidentally, the surge in orders at both pizza shops coincided precisely with the commencement of China’s military parade,” Yuyuan Tantian said.
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China showcases new military hardware in massive Victory Day parade
China showcases new military hardware in massive Victory Day parade
The remark highlights how much attention Beijing’s grand military parade – which commemorated the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II – received in the US, including from its president and defence department.
“I thought it was very, very impressive, but I understood the reason they were doing it,” Trump said on Wednesday during a meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki. “And I was watching,” Trump said.
Just hours earlier, Trump had extended his congratulations to China on his Truth Social platform while also appearing to accuse Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un of “conspiring against the United States of America”.
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On Wednesday, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News that Washington did not seek conflict with China, Russia and others, even though it needed to remain vigilant.