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

In a surprising twist, US President Donald Trump referred to China as a World War II ally during his welcome ceremony for Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House. Both leaders emphasized the historical friendship forged during the joint fight against Japanese aggression, underlining the need to seek common ground. Trump praised the "brave American pilots" of the Flying Tigers who volunteered to fight for China’s survival, and said he was eager to work alongside Xi in the same manner.

The Flying Tigers were American volunteer pilots who came to China in 1941 to combat Japanese forces alongside Chinese troops before the US formally entered World War II. They flew fighter missions against Japanese aircraft and defended Chinese cities and supply routes during the conflict. While Trump did not directly mention Japan, Xi explicitly named the country, highlighting how Chinese soldiers and civilians rescued hundreds of American pilots at the expense of hundreds of thousands of Chinese lives.

The Hump aerial resupply route over the Himalayas was also cited as a testament to the two nations' unity in sustaining Chinese resistance against Japan. The timing of Xi's remarks was particularly sensitive, given Japan's recent calls to remove the UN "enemy state" clause.