If the intent was to intimidate, the military parade in Beijing fell short. On September 3, 2025, the event not only marked the end of World War II but served as a stark reminder of a new coalition forming against the United States. President Donald Trump took notice of this display. “The big question to be answered is whether or not President Xi of China will mention the massive amount of support and ‘blood’ that The United States of America gave to China in order to help it to secure its FREEDOM,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the parade emphasized an alignment with the world’s most notable adversaries: Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. This assembly sent a clear signal that China stands firmly with these regimes that sharply oppose the United States. Reflecting on this, Trump highlighted the irony of Xi’s celebration, noting that the United States played a crucial role in defeating Imperial Japan in 1945.
In his post, Trump reminisced about the sacrifices made by Americans during the war, stating, “Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory. I hope that they are rightfully Honored and Remembered for their Bravery and Sacrifice!” His acknowledgment of the past underscores a critical point: the pivotal role the U.S. played in liberating nations from oppression. Yet, this parade serves as a reminder that some of those countries have since turned hostile.
China remembers its own suffering during the war, having endured tremendous losses under Japanese occupation. However, the selection of Xi’s honored guests stands as an affront to the legacy of American assistance. While Putin’s Russia lost millions fighting the Nazis, he now leads a brutal war against Ukraine, a conflict that similarly results in untold suffering for both sides. Equally concerning, Kim’s regime perpetuates a cycle of poverty and aggression, contrasting sharply with the prosperity of South Korea.
Furthermore, North Korean troops are reportedly contributing to the violence in Ukraine, revealing a disturbing overlap of interests among these nations. In emphasizing their solidarity, Xi and his allies send a powerful message: despite the lessons of history, they are united against the establishment shaped by American might. Notably, this event reveals a new axis—an alliance in the face of U.S. influence—a reality that America must not ignore.
The ominous tone of the parade highlights a celebration not only of a past victory, but also of an alarming modern reality where nations that suffered at the hands of aggression are now conspiring in opposition to the United States. Eighty years after the defeat of Imperial Japan, another alliance has arisen, reshaping the military and geopolitical landscape.
The glimmer of stark military might on display serves as a reminder that China, alongside its allies, aims to project strength. At the same time, Xi’s display neglected to acknowledge the American strength—military, economic, and technological—that contributed to the defeat of Japan. Trump’s words resonate as a reminder: “The main reason for it was American strength.” As the nations gathered in Beijing rally against the legacy established by U.S. sacrifices, it becomes evident that the battle for influence and power continues through a different, but no less significant, conflict.
In observing Xi’s gesture, there lies a commentary on contemporary geopolitics: an undeniable shift where the U.S. must navigate growing antagonism from a coalition of nations that now openly flaunts their strength. The historical sacrifices made by American troops in World War II should not be overlooked; rather, they should be a cornerstone in understanding the complexities of current international relations.
In the end, as these nations gather to celebrate their unity—and thus their antagonism towards the United States—Trump’s reflections serve as a living memory of what was sacrificed for freedom. The leaders gathered in Beijing might remember past victories, but they might also need reminding of who played a significant role in achieving those victories. American contributions ensured nations like China could stand today. This reality must not be forgotten as the world watches the dynamics play out on a much bigger stage.
"*" indicates required fields
