China’s foreign ministry has rejected allegations made by US President Donald Trump that Beijing, Moscow, and Pyongyang are “conspiring” against the United States. The accusations came after Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un were seen with Chinese President Xi Jinping at a recent military parade in Beijing, marking the first time the three leaders have appeared together at a public event.
In a statement, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said, “China’s development of diplomatic relations with any country is never directed against any third party.”
Kremlin and Trump Weigh In
The Kremlin also responded to Trump’s claims. Russian foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov stated that “no one has been plotting anything” and that Russia hoped the US President’s remarks were “ironical.” He added that all leaders understand the role the US plays in the current international situation.
Hours after making his initial accusation on social media, Trump seemed to pivot, telling reporters that his relationship with all three countries—China, Russia, and North Korea—is “very good.” However, he expressed disappointment that President Xi’s speech at the parade did not acknowledge the US’s role in World War II. “When they did what they did, I thought it was a beautiful ceremony; it was very impressive, but I understood the reason they were doing it: they were hoping I was watching, and I was watching,” Trump said.
Xi and Kim Announce Bilateral Talks
During the same press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun announced that President Xi Jinping will hold in-depth bilateral talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The meeting is intended to strengthen “strategic communication” and deepen cooperation between the two nations, which are described as having “traditional friendly cooperative relations.” The leaders have met bilaterally on several occasions in the past, with this upcoming meeting marking their sixth summit since 2018.