
China has defended its decision to invite the leaders of Russia and North Korea to a ceremony commemorating the end of World War II, after US President Donald Trump accused it of exploiting the event to plot against the United States.
Trump made several comments on his Truth Social platform, mentioning Chinese leader Xi Jinping, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who participated in a major military parade in which China displayed its military capabilities.
“Send warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un as they plot against the United States,” Trump wrote, addressing the Chinese leader.
Asked about Trump’s post, China’s Foreign Ministry said Thursday that the “foreign guests” were invited to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
"It is about working together with peace-loving countries and peoples who remember history, have memories of martyrs, are for peace and creating a future," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"China's establishment of diplomatic ties with any country has never been tied to a third party," he said. The Kremlin said on Wednesday it hoped the claims were made with a dose of humor./REL