China has strongly denied accusations made by former US President Donald Trump that Beijing is conspiring with Russia and North Korea to undermine the United States. The claim emerged after a high-profile parade in Beijing, where Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The event, held to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, highlighted China’s military power and showcased solidarity with its closest strategic partners. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, described the gathering as a deliberate anti-US alliance and sarcastically accused Xi of orchestrating a conspiracy against Washington.
However, Beijing insists that the commemoration had nothing to do with hostility toward any nation.
China’s Response: “Event About Peace, Not Conspiracy”
In a sharp rebuttal, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun clarified that the parade was organized to honor the memory of World War II martyrs and to promote peace for the future. He dismissed Trump’s claim as misleading and politically motivated.
“China’s cooperation with other nations is never directed at any third party,” Guo said. He emphasized that the participation of foreign guests, including Russia and North Korea, was meant to demonstrate respect for history and the shared sacrifices made during the war.
Guo’s statement reflects Beijing’s consistent stance: that its foreign partnerships are based on mutual interests, not on forming blocs against the West.
Russia’s Sarcastic Response
The Kremlin also weighed in, responding to Trump’s comments with a degree of sarcasm. Russian officials said that the accusation itself was “not without irony,” hinting that Washington’s history of forming alliances leaves little room to accuse others of doing the same.
For Moscow, the Beijing parade was another chance to reaffirm its close strategic alignment with China, particularly at a time when both nations face growing Western sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
EU Reaction and China’s Sharp Criticism
Interestingly, China reserved its harshest criticism not for Trump, but for the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas. Kallas argued that the gathering of Xi, Putin, and Kim was a symbolic challenge to the Western-led global order, describing it as evidence of a new “anti-Western alliance.”
Beijing fired back, accusing Kallas of bias and ideological hostility. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said her comments demonstrated a lack of historical perspective and risked fueling unnecessary confrontation. He urged European leaders to take a more balanced approach, calling on the EU to play a constructive role in global peace and stability.
Despite its criticism, China reiterated its interest in strengthening ties with the European Union, suggesting that cooperation on trade and climate issues should not be overshadowed by political disagreements.
Background: A Changing Global Landscape
The controversy comes at a time when global geopolitics are increasingly polarized. China, Russia, and North Korea have all faced growing criticism and sanctions from the United States and its allies.
- China has been under pressure over trade disputes, human rights concerns, and its stance on Taiwan.
- Russia continues to face international condemnation over its war in Ukraine.
- North Korea remains isolated due to its nuclear weapons program and repeated missile tests.
The image of the three leaders standing together in Beijing naturally sparked speculation about closer coordination among them. For Washington and Brussels, such public displays raise concerns about a more consolidated front against Western influence.
Analysis: Symbolism or Strategy?
While Trump’s remarks were provocative, analysts suggest that the Beijing event was more symbolic than strategic. China values optics and diplomacy, and showcasing solidarity with Russia and North Korea serves multiple purposes:
- Domestic Messaging: Demonstrating strong leadership and global influence for Chinese citizens.
- International Signaling: Showing the West that Beijing has powerful partners who reject Western pressure.
- Strategic Leverage: Using closer ties with Moscow and Pyongyang as bargaining chips in negotiations with Washington and Brussels.
However, experts also note that China has little interest in fully aligning itself with Russia and North Korea in a formal military or political bloc. Beijing’s economic dependence on global trade especially with the US and EU makes such an alliance impractical.
Future Outlook
The fallout from Trump’s accusations is likely to linger in diplomatic discussions. Beijing will continue to project itself as a defender of peace and multilateralism, even as it strengthens ties with Russia and North Korea. Meanwhile, Washington and Brussels are expected to view such partnerships with suspicion, interpreting them as signals of an emerging alternative world order.
What remains clear is that symbolic displays like the Beijing parade carry weight far beyond ceremonies. They shape perceptions of alliances, test Western responses, and influence the direction of future diplomacy. For now, China’s rejection of Trump’s claims highlights its balancing act: embracing powerful partners while avoiding the appearance of an overt anti-Western coalition.
