Trump: US should have been mentioned for helping China 'gain its freedom'

Washington: US President Donald Trump has commented on the evolving state of relations between Washington and Beijing, hours after accusing Chinese President Xi Jinping of "conspiring against" America during a massive military parade attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda at the White House, Trump described his personal ties with China’s leadership as "very good" and revealed he is hopeful about the near future.

Reflecting on the parade held in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Trump called it "very impressive" and "beautiful," suggesting the ceremony was staged partly to capture his attention, which he admitted it did. However, he expressed disappointment that President Xi did not acknowledge the role of the United States in supporting China during its struggle for freedom.

"I think we helped China very much when they talk about freedom, and I don't believe that the US was acknowledged for helping China to gain its freedom... I heard President Xi last night, and I think the US should have been mentioned since we helped China very much," Trump said.

Earlier in the day, as the parade unfolded, Trump had posted on social media his suspicion that Xi, Putin, and Kim were conspiring against the United States, wishing them a "great and lasting day of celebration" while reminding them of the sacrifices America made helping China secure its freedom during World War II.

The parade itself, attended by the leaders of Russia, North Korea, and China, showcased Beijing’s military strength and was considered the largest ever held by the country. Xi Jinping touted China’s unstoppable rise while emphasising peaceful development.

With inputs from ANI