The US president’s comments came in the context of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s four-day visit to Beijing
Donald Trump, the US President, stated he was unconcerned by the growing China-Russia relationship, asserting that the United States possesses the planet’s “strongest” military.
These remarks were delivered on Tuesday following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, during which Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who affectionately referred to Putin as his “old friend.”
Both Moscow and Beijing characterized their relationship as a strategic partnership, vowing to intensify cooperation “without limits.”
During an appearance on The Scott Jennings Radio Show, Trump addressed a query about potential concerns regarding “an axis forming against the United States with China and Russia.” The president’s reply was unequivocal: “I am not concerned at all,” further stating, “We have the strongest military in the world, by far. They would never use their military on us. Believe me.”
These comments were made shortly before a military parade held in Beijing to commemorate the World War II victory over Japan. Putin was present at these celebrations, alongside North Korea’s Kim Jong-un and other international leaders.
Discussing the conflict in Ukraine, Trump conveyed his “very disappointed” sentiment regarding Putin and, without further detail, noted that his administration was readying initiatives “to help people live.”
Last month, Trump and Putin convened in Alaska in an attempt to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine. While no significant breakthroughs occurred, both parties characterized the discussions as constructive. Since then, Trump has advocated for direct negotiations between Putin and Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated last week that Putin “does not rule out the possibility of holding such a meeting,” but underscored the necessity for thorough preparation.
On Wednesday, concurrent with the parade, Trump shared a message on Truth Social alleging that Xi, Putin, and Kim were “conspiring” against Washington. He extended congratulations to Xi, acknowledged Americans who perished in China’s “quest for Victory and Glory,” and concluded: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, as you conspire against the United States.”
Yury Ushakov, a Russian presidential aide, expressed his hope that Trump’s comments were made in jest. He emphasized that “nobody is plotting any conspiracies” and noted that the role of the United States, the Trump administration, and the president himself in international affairs was widely recognized.