China on Thursday rejected accusations from US President Donald Trump, who had suggested that Beijing was working with North Korea and Russia against Washington.
Trump’s comments followed a military parade in Beijing a day earlier, where Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping. It was the first time the three leaders had been seen together at the same event.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump congratulated China on its victory day commemoration but went on to urge Xi to “give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.”
Responding to the remark, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters that China’s diplomatic ties with other countries are not aimed at any third party.
Moscow also commented on the controversy. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said he hoped Trump had been speaking with irony. He added that China, Russia and North Korea had never entertained the idea of conspiring against the United States, stressing that “no one has been plotting anything.” Ushakov further remarked that Russia is well aware of the role played by Washington and by President Trump himself in shaping global affairs.
Hours after making the allegation, Trump appeared to soften his position. Speaking to journalists in the Oval Office, he described his ties with Xi, Putin and Kim as “very good,” though he expressed some disappointment that Xi’s parade speech did not mention the United States. Trump acknowledged the event as impressive and said he believed the leaders intended for him to be watching. “My relationship with all of them is very good, and we are going to find out how good it is over the next week or two,” he added.
Meanwhile, China announced that Xi Jinping will soon hold formal talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Guo Jiakun said Beijing is prepared to strengthen strategic dialogue, increase cooperation, share governance practices and further the traditional partnership between China and the DPRK.
