Donald Trump may be feeling the impacts of a photo that could have consequences for the whole world.
It comes after a summit, which took place in Beijing, saw 26 leading political figures in attendance to witness a military parade held by China’s President Xi Jinping.
The parade commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, marking a pivotal point in China's history and the end of Japanese aggression on Chinese soil.
Notable leaders from around the world were present, including North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, both of whom have become key players in global politics.
One image in particular from this summit has raised eyebrows, especially among political commentators.
The photo captures an apparent new alliance between Russia, China, and India, as leaders from these nations shared a warm handshake in Tianjin, China.
The moment, which appeared carefully orchestrated, was described as a signal of a growing coalition that could leave the United States and Europe on the outside looking in.
Political editor James Ball from The New World discussed the impact of the photo in a piece for iPaper, noting that the image could become a "genuinely significant historical moment."
Ball also pointed out the irony for U.S. President Donald Trump, given his well-known awareness of the power of a "Kodak moment."
He wrote: "This week, there was finally a shot that might become a genuinely significant historical moment, so it must be all the more galling to Trump that he is not in it."
The photograph, which shows Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharing a handshake, illustrates the growing alignment between these major world powers.
Ball emphasized that the message was clear: "There is a new alliance here, and neither America nor Europe is in it."
The photo also carries a sense of "bitter irony" for Trump, according to Ball. He claims that it may have been the U.S. president’s own controversial policies that led to this shift.
Specifically, Trump’s hardline stance on China, including his trade war and tariff policies, has seemingly pushed China, Russia, and India to seek more "reliable" partners.
Ball suggests that Trump’s inconsistent approach to Russia, at times friendly and other times antagonistic, has caused China to warm up to Russia more openly.
Additionally, Trump’s strained relationship with India, particularly after sanctions were imposed on the country for purchasing Russian oil, might have led India to find common ground with China and Russia.
In his analysis, Ball asserts that while Trump may not have intended to unite these political giants, his actions appear to have done so.
Naturally, the growing relationship between China, Russia, and North Korea has not escaped Trump’s attention. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, the former president made his feelings known, accusing Xi of conspiring with Putin and Kim Jong-un.
He wrote: "Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un as you conspire against the United States of America."