Trump Criticizes China’s WWII Ceremony for Overlooking US Role in Japan’s Defeat
US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment on Wednesday after China’s elaborate ceremony marking the end of World War II failed to properly acknowledge America’s decisive role in Japan’s surrender.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump called the event “a beautiful ceremony” and “very impressive,” but noted that the United States should have been recognized in Chinese President Xi Jinping’s speech.
“President Xi is a friend of mine, but I thought the United States should have been mentioned because we helped China very, very much,” Trump told reporters. His remarks came just hours after posting on Truth Social, where he suggested that world leaders gathered in Beijing — including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un — might be “conspiring against the United States.”
Xi’s Parade Highlights China’s Power
The ceremony, held at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, marked the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end. Xi, flanked by Putin and Kim, addressed an audience of more than 50,000 people. The event showcased China’s military strength, featuring thousands of goose-stepping troops and cutting-edge weaponry in a clear display aimed at deterring rivals such as the US.
China has framed Japan’s invasion in 1937 and the eventual Allied victory in 1945 as pivotal moments in its “national rejuvenation” under the Communist Party. During his speech, Xi thanked “foreign governments and international friends” who supported China but stopped short of emphasizing America’s contribution to Japan’s defeat.
America’s Role in the War
Historians widely recognize that US involvement after 1941 played a decisive role in ending the war. American military and economic support strengthened China’s resistance against Japanese forces, and the US ultimately forced Japan’s surrender after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
Rising Tensions Between Washington and Beijing
The diplomatic snub comes at a time of strained US-China relations. The two powers remain at odds over trade negotiations, military activities in the South China Sea, and differing stances on global security issues such as Ukraine.
Despite these tensions, Trump continues to highlight his personal friendship with Xi, saying he believes their relationship could guide both nations toward cooperation. He also hinted that another meeting between the two leaders could take place soon.
Still, Trump’s social media post during the parade underscored the skepticism in Washington: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America.”