Donald Trump has rejected suggestions that the warming of relations between China, Russia and their allies poses a challenge to the US on the global stage.
The US president told reporters in the Oval Office that he had 'a good relationship' with President Xi Jinping and that China 'needs us more than we need them'.
It comes as Xi prepares to host world leaders at a 'Victory Day' parade in Beijing - a showcase of China's military might.
Xi will be joined by North Korea's Kim Jong Un and Russia's Vladimir Putin, viewed by some observers as a message to the Western nations that have shunned them.
China has sought to position itself as a possible counterweight to the US since Trump's tariffs rocked the global economic and political order. Trump has pitched his tariffs as essential to protecting American interests and industry.
Asked by the BBC if he believed Beijing and its allies were attempting to form an international coalition to oppose the US, Trump said: 'No. Not at all. China needs us.'
He added: 'I have a very good relationship with President Xi, as you know. But China needs us much more than we need them. I don't see that at all.'
Separately, in a radio interview, Trump said he was not concerned about the axis forming between Russia and China, citing America’s military strength.
In another notable mention, he expressed disappointment in Putin after they failed to reach a peace deal for Ukraine during their meeting in Alaska last month. He said: 'I'm very disappointed in President Putin, I can say that,' indicating future US support for Ukraine remains intact amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
China has been accused of aiding Russia's war effort against Ukraine but has denied these claims, even as Western nations continue to scrutinize their military collaboration.
