China marked the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end with a massive military parade in Tiananmen Square, showcasing cutting-edge weapons and geopolitical clout. The display was meant not just for domestic pride but also as a message to global powers—particularly the United States—that a new era of influence may be dawning.
Watching from the White House, former U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the parade, saying, “They were hoping I was watching, and I was watching,” later calling it “very, very impressive.” Yet, Trump’s response quickly shifted to criticism, accusing China of erasing America’s role in WWII and alleging a conspiracy involving Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un.
Despite expressing nonchalance in a podcast, Trump took to Truth Social by nightfall to vent his frustration: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America.”
Trump’s trade tariffs and “America First” stance appear to be fueling closer ties between China, Russia, and India—seen in a high-profile summit in Tianjin earlier this week. Analysts warn that Trump’s isolationist policies may be strengthening alternative global alliances. Meanwhile, legal challenges to his tariff strategy are mounting, casting uncertainty over his economic agenda.
