U.S. President Donald Trump delivered contradictory remarks on Wednesday, September 3, extending warm wishes to Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un while simultaneously accusing them of conspiring against the United States.
“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.
His post coincided with a massive military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. The display, which showcased hypersonic missiles, drones, and fighter jets, carried clear political undertones. It was also the first time Xi, Putin, and Kim appeared publicly together, a gathering analysts described as evidence of an emerging “Axis of Upheaval.”
The Kremlin dismissed Trump’s accusations. Foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov suggested the remarks were intended as irony, while spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the gathering was meant “for the greater good of the peoples of our countries, not against third countries.”
Xi used the occasion to declare that China was “unstoppable,” urging nations to choose “between peace and war” and presenting his vision as a challenge to the U.S.-led global order.
Later, in a radio interview, Trump struck a more relaxed tone, saying he was “not concerned at all” about China and Russia aligning. “We have the strongest military in the world by far,” he said. “They would never use their military on us, believe me.”
Still, he voiced frustration with Putin for ignoring his efforts to broker peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “I was very disappointed in President Putin,” Trump said, after Russia continued its strikes despite his outreach.
At the Beijing parade, Putin publicly thanked Kim for sending North Korean troops to support Russia in Ukraine. Kim pledged to “do everything I can to assist” Moscow. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose country has supplied weapons to Russia, also attended.
Analysts say the Ukraine war has accelerated closer ties between these states. “This axis of authoritarian states is strengthening,” said Edward Howell, an international relations lecturer at Oxford. “It’s not just individual threats from North Korea, Russia, or China it’s the links between them.”
In a follow-up Truth Social post, Trump reflected on U.S. sacrifices in China during World War II: “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!”
