Trump hails WWII ‘ally’ China as Xi tells of bonds forged in ‘blood and fire’

During his arrival ceremony at the White House on Thursday, US President Donald Trump called China a World War II ally alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders repeatedly emphasized the long history of US-China friendship formed during the fight against Japanese aggression. Trump praised the brave American pilots of the Flying Tigers, who volunteered to fight for China's survival during the war, stating that they were "unbelievable."

He also highlighted the need to focus on common interests to achieve significant progress, noting that their people have overcome vast distances and differences to forge a strong alliance. Xi reiterated this sentiment, recalling the joint resistance against Japanese forces as a testament to the strength of their ties. He specifically mentioned the Hump aerial resupply route over the Himalayas, which provided crucial aid to China after the Burma Road was cut off by Japanese forces.

Xi emphasized the sacrifices made by both Chinese and American soldiers during the war, noting that the friendship forged during those "blood and fire" days would endure for generations. However, the historical reference caused unease among Japanese media, who saw it as a potential reminder of past tensions over Japan's wartime atrocities in China and Tokyo's handling of that history.