US President Donald Trump remains unconcerned about the growing ties between China and Russia, citing America’s unmatched military might as a deterrent.
Trump expressed confidence in the US military’s superiority, saying, “We have the strongest military in the world, by far. They would never use their military on us. Believe me, that would be the worst thing they could ever do.”
This stance comes as China and Russia have formed a unified front against the United States, spurning speculation about Trump’s ability to divide the two nations.
Trump’s comments reflect his administration’s priorities, but analysts warn that attempting to drive a wedge between Russia and China may be futile, given their deepening economic and strategic ties.
In a radio interview, Trump said, “We have the strongest military in the world, by far. They would never use their military on us. Believe me, that would be the worst thing they could ever do.”
This statement comes as China and Russia have been ramping up cooperation to present an alternative vision to the Western-led international order.
Trump expressed disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin over his failure to reach a peace deal with Kyiv, saying, “I am very disappointed in President Putin, I can say that, and we will be doing something to help people live. It’s not a question of Ukraine. It’s helping people live.” Despite growing tensions, Trump dismissed suggestions that China’s military parade, attended by Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, should be seen as a challenge to the US, saying, “I don’t see that at all, no. I have a very good relationship with President Xi, as you know, but China needs us much more than we need them.”
In a separate incident, Trump announced that the US military conducted a “kinetic” strike on a small boat accused of smuggling drugs out of Venezuela for the Tren de Aragua gang.
According to Trump, the strike resulted in 11 “terrorists” killed in action, with no US forces harmed. “The strike resulted in 11 terrorists killed in action. No U.S. Forces were harmed in this strike,” Trump wrote.
“Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. BEWARE!” This move marks a significant escalation in tensions with the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The deployment of US warships to the southern Caribbean has piqued concerns over spiraling tensions with Venezuela, where Maduro has already responded by surging military resources to the coast.
Maduro has long accused the US government of interfering in Venezuelan politics on behalf of his opposition. In response to the US strike, Maduro’s government has not immediately responded, but he has previously pledged to “declare a republic in arms” in Venezuela if the country was attacked.