President Donald Trump commented on Wednesday that China’s “beautiful ceremony” marking the end of World War II should have acknowledged the United States’ contribution to Japan’s defeat.
“I thought it was a beautiful ceremony. I thought it was very, very impressive,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, just hours after hinting on social media that foreign leaders meeting in Beijing might be conspiring against the U.S.
“I watched the speech last night. President Xi is a friend of mine, but I thought that the United States should have been mentioned because we helped China very, very much,” he added. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The 80th anniversary of the war’s end has been a major showcase for Chinese President Xi Jinping, who highlighted China’s close ties with nations often at odds with Washington. Flanked by Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, Xi addressed a crowd of more than 50,000 at Tiananmen Square, surveying a parade of troops and advanced military equipment. The display appeared aimed at deterring potential adversaries, including the U.S.
Japan’s invasion of China in 1937 escalated the conflict that led to World War II, and Japan’s surrender in 1945 marked the war’s end. The U.S., which entered the war in 1941, played a decisive role in defeating Japan and aiding Chinese forces. Xi has framed World War II as a pivotal moment in the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” under the Chinese Communist Party and its allies.
On Wednesday, Xi thanked “foreign governments and international friends who supported and assisted the Chinese people,” but did not specifically highlight the United States’ role in the conflict.
U.S.-China relations remain tense, with disagreements over security issues including Ukraine and the South China Sea, as well as ongoing trade negotiations. Despite this, Trump has repeatedly emphasized his positive personal relationship with Xi, which he says could steer the two largest economies toward constructive cooperation. He has also indicated the possibility of meeting Xi in the near future.
Earlier, as the parade began, Trump posted on Truth Social: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America.” The Kremlin responded by denying any conspiracy and suggested Trump’s remarks were meant ironically.
