New Delhi: In a dramatic escalation of geopolitical rhetoric, US President Donald Trump accused Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un of “conspiring” against the United States during China’s grand Victory Day parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.
The Kremlin swiftly dismissed Trump’s claims as baseless, with senior aide Yuri Ushakov asserting that no such plot exists. The parade, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, saw leaders from over 20 nations, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, join Xi in a display of military might that has sparked global unease, particularly in Washington.
Trump’s Provocative Outburst
The Victory Day parade, a meticulously choreographed spectacle by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), showcased China’s advanced weaponry, including hypersonic missiles, laser systems and the formidable Dongfeng-5C intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of striking any global target. The presence of Putin and Kim alongside Xi amplified the event’s significance, drawing sharp criticism from Trump, who took to Truth Social to vent his ire. “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America,” he wrote, addressing Xi directly.
Trump’s accusation reflects growing US concerns over the strengthening ties among China, Russia, and North Korea, particularly amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and US-China trade tensions. His remarks also invoked historical context, urging Xi to honour the sacrifices of American soldiers who aided China against Japanese aggression during World War II.
Kremlin’s Sharp Rebuttal
Responding to Trump’s allegations, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told Russian state television, “I want to clarify that no one was conspiring against the US, and such thoughts never crossed the minds of these three leaders.” He added, “Everyone understands the role of the United States, the Trump administration, and President Trump personally in the current global landscape.” Ushakov’s statement aimed to defuse the tension, framing the parade as a commemorative event rather than a platform for anti-US plotting.
The Kremlin’s dismissal came as analysts noted the parade’s broader implications. With only Slovakia’s Robert Fico and Serbia’s Aleksandar Vucic among Western leaders in attendance, the event highlighted a stark divide between China’s allies and the US-led bloc. India’s absence, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the preceding SCO Summit in Tianjin, underscored New Delhi’s cautious approach to avoid aligning with China’s military posturing.
A Show Of Military And Diplomatic Power
The parade, attended by over 50,000 spectators, was a bold assertion of China’s military and diplomatic clout. Xi’s speech warned the world of a choice between “peace or war,” while the display of advanced weaponry signalled China’s intent to challenge US dominance. The event’s optics, with Xi, Putin, and Kim walking the red carpet together, were seen as a deliberate message to Washington, particularly amid Trump’s recent 50% tariff hikes on Chinese and Indian exports.
Pakistan’s presence, with Sharif joining the leaders, added another layer to the geopolitical narrative, given the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The parade’s timing, following Russia’s overnight air attack on Ukraine, further fuelled Western concerns about the growing alignment among these nations.
Global Implications And Strategic Calculations
Analysts see this parade as more than a ceremonial flex — it’s a strategic gambit in a multipolar world. China’s display of cutting-edge arms, coupled with its coalition-building, challenges the US-led order, while Trump’s provocative rhetoric risks escalating tensions. The Kremlin’s light-hearted dismissal may ease immediate friction, but the underlying dynamics suggest a deeper realignment, with India’s absence and Pakistan’s participation adding complexity to South Asian geopolitics.
As the world digests this spectacle, the parade has underscored China’s ambition to reshape global power dynamics, leaving the US and its allies on edge. Trump’s accusations and Russia’s rebuttal have set the stage for a tense diplomatic dance.