Former U.S. president says America’s efforts against Japan deserved recognition in Beijing parade.
Donald Trump has criticized China’s Victory Day parade, claiming President Xi Jinping should have acknowledged America’s pivotal role in defeating Japan during World War II.
Trump Calls Out Omission
On Wednesday, September 3, former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on China’s grand military parade in Beijing, which marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. He praised the “beautiful, very impressive” event but expressed disappointment that America’s role in Japan’s defeat was not mentioned. Speaking from the his office, Trump said, “President Xi is my friend, but the United States should have been mentioned, because we helped China a lot.”
China’s Parade and Xi’s Message
The ceremony, held at Tiananmen Square, featured advanced military displays and was attended by more than 50,000 spectators. World leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un were present, underscoring Beijing’s alliances at a time of strained ties with Washington. Xi Jinping’s speech highlighted the 1937 Japanese invasion as a trigger for World War II and framed the war’s end in 1945 as a turning point in China’s “great rejuvenation.”
U.S. Role in WWII
While Xi expressed gratitude to “foreign governments and international friends” who supported China, he made no direct mention of the United States. Historically, the U.S. entered the war in 1941 and provided crucial support to Chinese forces fighting Japan, ultimately playing a decisive role in Japan’s defeat and surrender in 1945. Trump stressed that this omission was significant, given America’s sacrifices and contributions.
Rising Geopolitical Tensions
The incident comes as U.S.-China relations remain fraught. Both nations are clashing over trade disputes, territorial claims in the South China Sea, and global security issues including the war in Ukraine. Trump’s remarks also followed his social media post suggesting Xi, Putin, and Kim might be “conspiring against the United States”—a statement Russia later dismissed as sarcasm.
Trump Balances Criticism and Diplomacy
Despite his criticism, Trump reiterated his positive personal ties with Xi. He suggested their relationship could help steer the world’s two largest economies toward constructive dialogue. He even hinted at a potential meeting with Xi in the near future. This dual message reflects Trump’s familiar approach of combining public critique with personal diplomacy.
Strategic Use of History
By elevating China’s role in the war while downplaying America’s, Xi reinforced his narrative of national strength under Communist Party rule. For Trump, the omission became a political opening to reassert U.S. historical influence and question China’s global intentions. This clash of perspectives highlights how both leaders leverage history to shape present-day geopolitics.
The parade and Trump’s response underscore how history remains central to modern power struggles. For audiences in Southeast Asia, especially Indonesians and Singaporeans, this episode reveals the fragile balance between two superpowers whose rivalry affects regional trade, security, and diplomatic stability.
Sources: Batam Pos (2025) , Kumparan (2025)
Keywords: Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, World War II, Victory Day Parade, U.S.-China Relations, Beijing Ceremony
