BEIJING — China on Thursday defended its decision to host Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at World War II commemorations in Beijing, after former U.S. President Donald Trump accused the trio of plotting against the United States.
Trump, in a fiery Truth Social post, blasted the show of unity as a threat to Washington’s interests, writing: “Give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.”
The post came after the two authoritarian leaders stood alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping at a grand military parade marking 80 years since the end of World War II.
Responding to Trump’s remarks, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun dismissed the allegations, stressing that Beijing’s diplomatic ties are not aimed at undermining any nation.
“Foreign guests were invited to commemorate history, honor the martyrs, cherish peace, and build the future together,” Guo told reporters. “China’s development of diplomatic relations with any country is never directed against any third party.”
Moscow also brushed off Trump’s comments, with Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov suggesting the former U.S. leader was not being entirely serious.
“I think, not without irony, he said that these three are allegedly plotting against the United States,” Ushakov told Russian state television on Wednesday.
The high-profile gathering of Xi, Putin, and Kim has fueled speculation about closer cooperation among the three leaders, even as Beijing insists its commemorations are rooted in history, not geopolitics.
Comments