Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday praised the grandeur of China’s World War II commemoration ceremony but voiced disappointment that Beijing failed to acknowledge the pivotal role the United States played in ending the conflict.
The ceremony, held in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. With goose-stepping soldiers, modern weaponry on display, and an international guest list that included Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the event was as much a showcase of China’s military power as it was a historical remembrance.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump described the occasion as “beautiful” and “very, very impressive.” Yet he underscored what he saw as a glaring omission. “President Xi is a friend of mine,” Trump said. “But the United States should have been mentioned last night during that speech, because we helped China very, very much.” His comments drew attention to the fact that Chinese President Xi Jinping thanked international supporters in general terms but avoided explicitly crediting Washington.
The United States was instrumental in defeating Japan in World War II, providing significant military aid and resources to China during its struggle against occupation. Trump’s criticism suggests he views the omission as not just a historical oversight, but also a sign of today’s strained ties between Washington and Beijing.
Observers noted that the anniversary was more than a tribute to the past. The pageantry, attended by China’s closest global partners, signaled Beijing’s intent to project power on the world stage amid simmering geopolitical rivalries. For Washington, the absence of recognition added to concerns about Beijing’s deepening ties with Moscow and Pyongyang, especially as U.S.-China relations remain tense over trade disputes, Taiwan, and security alignments in the Indo-Pacific.
Trump also took to his social media platform, Truth Social, where he posted a sarcastic greeting to Xi, Putin, and Kim, jokingly calling them allies against the United States. The Kremlin brushed off the remark as humorous irony, though the post highlighted the undercurrent of rivalry shaping current global politics.
For Trump, the episode offered an opportunity to remind Americans of the historic sacrifices of U.S. soldiers and the enduring need for global acknowledgment of that role. For Beijing, the event reinforced its narrative of self-reliance and national strength, signaling where its diplomatic priorities lie.