Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to preserving the historical memory of World War II, emphasizing their shared responsibility in defeating fascism. Both leaders highlighted the importance of commemorating the sacrifices made by their peoples during the war, with Putin praising the upcoming Chinese military parade and Xi underscoring the significance of protecting the historic truth of the war’s achievements.
The leaders met in Beijing ahead of Wednesday’s military parade commemorating the end of the war, with Xi having previously traveled to Moscow to commemorate Russia’s Victory Day on May 9. Mutual visits, Xi said, have become a good bilateral tradition, showcasing the great responsibility that China and Russia hold as major victor states in World War II and permanent members of the UN Security Council. Putin praised the upcoming Chinese commemorations, expressing confidence that the People’s Liberation Army would conduct the event with its usual brilliance.
Both leaders stressed the importance of preserving the memory of the war, with Putin reflecting on the sacrifices of ancestors and the foundation of their nations’ achievements today and in the future. “Our ancestors, our fathers and grandfathers have paid a huge price for peace and freedom,” Putin said. “We remember that. That is the foundation of our achievements today and in the future.”
China’s war with Imperial Japan, which began in 1937, is estimated to have claimed 15 to 20 million lives, including soldiers from rival communist and nationalist forces as well as civilians. The Soviet Union lost an estimated 27 million troops and civilians in defeating Nazi Germany following its invasion in June 1941. These historical tragedies underscore the joint efforts of Russia and China in the fight against fascism, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to honoring the past and safeguarding the legacy of their shared victory.
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