WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump expressed disappointment that China did not acknowledge America’s role in defeating Japan during World War II, as part of a ceremony he otherwise praised as “beautiful.”
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump commented on the recent commemorative event held in Beijing. “I thought it was a beautiful ceremony. I thought it was very, very impressive,” he said, referring to the large-scale military parade and formal gathering marking the end of WWII.
Despite his praise for the visual and ceremonial aspects of the event, Trump noted that the ceremony failed to mention the crucial role the United States played in bringing about Japan’s surrender in 1945. He suggested that such an omission was a slight to the U.S.’s historical contributions.
Earlier the same day, Trump took to social media to raise suspicions about the foreign leaders attending the ceremony. In his post, he hinted that the gathering in Beijing could involve foreign powers working in coordination against the United States, though he offered no evidence to support the claim.
The remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing, and reflect Trump’s broader concerns about international diplomacy and perceived slights to U.S. global leadership.
“I watched the speech last night. President Xi is a friend of mine, but I thought that the United States should have been mentioned during that speech, because we helped China very, very much,” Trump said on Wednesday.
The ceremony, held in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, was attended by more than 50,000 spectators and featured a grand military parade. Xi was flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, showcasing China’s alignment with nations that are often at odds with Washington.
The event served as a major diplomatic and political display for Xi’s government, celebrating what he called a key moment in the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” under Communist Party leadership. While Xi thanked “foreign governments and international friends” for their support during the war, he did not specifically highlight the United States’ contribution. The Chinese embassy in Washington declined to comment on Trump’s criticism.
Historians note that the U.S. played a critical role in aiding China’s fight against Japan during World War II. After Japan invaded China in 1937, the U.S. joined the war in 1941 and contributed significantly to Japan’s eventual surrender in 1945, which marked the end of the global conflict.
Analysts say Xi’s selective reference to foreign assistance fits a broader narrative in which the Chinese Communist Party positions itself as the central force in China’s wartime resilience and current rise—minimizing external contributions and framing history to suit present-day political objectives.
The ceremony comes at a time of heightened U.S.-China tensions. The two nations remain deeply divided on several global and regional issues, including the war in Ukraine, maritime disputes in the South China Sea, and ongoing trade negotiations aimed at avoiding mutual tariffs.
Despite these challenges, Trump has often highlighted his personal rapport with Xi Jinping. He has suggested that this relationship could help guide the two global powers toward a more stable and cooperative future. Trump also indicated that he may meet with Xi in the near future.
Still, his tone was less diplomatic on social media. As the parade began, Trump posted a pointed message on Truth Social: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America.”
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