U.S. President Donald Trump said he is "not concerned at all" about the close moves between North Korea, China, and Russia. Regarding negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, he noted he was "very disappointed" with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while suggesting a new phase is approaching.
Trump spoke to reporters at the White House on the 2nd (local time), where he responded to a question about the attendance of North Korean Chairman Kim Jong Un and President Putin at the upcoming Chinese victory day parade the following day. He said, "China needs us. I have a very good relationship with President Xi Jinping," and added, "China needs us much more than we need them."
Earlier, Trump also stated in an interview with the conservative radio show "Scott Jennings Show" that he is "not worried at all about the formation of a bloc against the United States." He expressed confidence, saying, "We have the most powerful military in the world. They will never use military force against us."
China will hold a large-scale military parade in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on the 3rd to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II. At this event, President Xi Jinping, President Putin, and Commissioner Kim Jong Un will stand side by side. It is the first time the three leaders have gathered together since the end of the Cold War. The prevailing analysis is that this is intended to showcase an 'anti-U.S. coalition' against the international order led by the West. BBC assessed that "the gathering of leaders shunned by Western countries sends a message in itself."
On the issue of ending the war in Ukraine, President Trump critiqued President Putin while leaving room for possibilities. He referenced last month's U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska in a radio interview, saying, "I was very disappointed in President Putin." This reflects his frustrations regarding the lack of progress in peace negotiations. He stated, "Thousands of people are dying. I will do something to save people," leaving open the possibility of additional measures.
At the same time, the White House mentioned to reporters, "I had a very good meeting with President Putin a few weeks ago," and added, "Let's see what result comes out. If the desired outcome does not materialize, I will take a different approach." In response to the question of whether he had "spoken with President Putin," he provided a cryptic answer, suggesting he had "identified very interesting things. We will find out in a few days."
Major media outlets assessed that President Trump judged that China and Russia do not pose a substantial threat to the international order centered around the United States. They predicted that it is highly likely that Russia would eventually have to accept the U.S. mediation plan regarding the Ukraine issue. However, as the three leaders of North Korea, China, and Russia showcase military closeness before the world, there are cautious opinions suggesting it remains to be seen whether this perspective aligns with reality.