Beijing has firmly rejected the remarks of U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused China of engaging in a conspiracy by inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to a World War II commemoration ceremony marking China’s victory over Japan.
During his statement, President Trump suggested that China’s invitation to Putin and Kim was aimed at building an anti-American alliance, saying sarcastically that Beijing should “send my best wishes” to the two leaders. He further remarked that while he considers Chinese President Xi Jinping a good friend, China ought to have acknowledged the United States’ role in defeating Japan during the war.
According to international media, China immediately dismissed these accusations. A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that inviting global leaders, including Russia and North Korea, to the ceremony was not a plot against the United States.
The spokesperson stressed that China’s relationships with any country are not directed against a third party. “Whether in the past, present, or future, China has always been and will remain a strong force for global peace,” the official said.
The dispute comes at a time when U.S.-China relations are already strained due to trade disagreements, security competition in the Asia-Pacific, and differing positions on global conflicts. Beijing’s rejection of Washington’s claim reflects its consistent policy of presenting itself as a neutral actor focused on peace, even while strengthening ties with Moscow and Pyongyang.
By framing the commemorative event as a celebration of historical sacrifice rather than a political maneuver, China is attempting to defuse tensions while simultaneously showcasing its diplomatic partnerships beyond the West.