US and European leaders reacted with veneration, concern and stiffened resolve on Wednesday to China’s epic military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
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Over 25 foreign leaders – including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un – joined Chinese President Xi Jinping at the showcase event marked by intimidating weaponry and choreographed troop manoeuvres.
“I thought it was very, very impressive, but I understood the reason they were doing it,” US President Donald Trump said in the Oval Office as he met with Polish President Karol Nawrocki on Wednesday, suggesting it was because he was watching. “And I was watching,” he added.
Trump appeared particularly concerned that Washington was not getting enough credit. “I don’t believe that America, that the United States, was acknowledged for helping China to get, to gain, its freedom,” he added. “President Xi is a friend of mine, but I thought that the United States should have been mentioned last night during that speech because we helped China, very, very much.”
Trump said his relationship with “all of them” was very good. “We’re going to find out how good it is over the next week or two,” he added without further explanation.
This came a few hours after Trump offered his congratulations to China even as he appeared to accuse Xi, Putin and Kim of colluding. “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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.