Within just hours of claiming that Russia, China, and North Korea were "conspiring" against the United States, President Donald Trump walked back his statements on Wednesday, stating that in fact he has a "very good" relationship with all three countries.
Trump's flip-flop followed images from Beijing that placed Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping at China's victory parade. The video took footage of the trio embracing warmly, testifying to their rapport on the international stage.
First, Trump had rebuked Xi, accusing him of masterminding a plot to "conspire against the United States of America." But later, addressing the White House Oval Office in a bilateral meeting, he used a different tone. Hailing the military parade, Trump called it a "beautiful ceremony" and "very impressive."
"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 told reporters.
He further said, "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."
"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," he added.
At the ceremony, Xi had characterized China as "unstoppable," reiterating the country's commitment to peaceful development. The parade, held on September 3 every year, celebrates what Beijing marks as its triumph over Japanese aggression in 1945.
"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 from a very unfriendly foreign invader. 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!" he posted on Truth Social.
Moscow did not hesitate to reply to Trump's statement. Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov brushed aside the allegation as saying, "We hope he was ironical." Ushakov went on to disprove the conspiracy of a three-way plot. "I would like to say that no one has been conspiring, no one has been plotting anything, no conspiracies," he emphasized.
"May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America. PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP," his post read.
The Kremlin also recognized Washington's role in making the contemporary world, saying, "I can say that everyone understands the role played by the United States, the current administration of President Trump and President Trump personally in the current international situation." Read also| Donald Trump Claims India Proposed ‘No Tariffs’ Deal Following US 50% Levy
