Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have stressed the importance of preserving the historic memory of their nations’ sacrifices during World II. Meeting in Beijing ahead of a military parade that will commemorate the war’s end, the two leaders highlighted the significant role their countries played in defeating the Axis powers and the huge price paid by their peoples for peace and freedom.
Putin said that the sacrifices made by ancestors, fathers and grandfathers form the foundation of their current and future achievements. Xi echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to protect the historic truth of their victory. He noted that mutual visits between the two nations have become a valuable bilateral tradition, showcasing their great responsibility as major victor states in World II and as permanent members of the UN Security Council.
China’s war with Imperial Japan, which began in 1937, is estimated to have claimed 15 to 20 million lives, including soldiers and civilians. The Soviet Union lost an estimated 27 million troops and civilians in its fight against Nazi Germany after being invaded in June 1941. These staggering numbers underscore the significance of the war and the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by the Russian and Chinese peoples.
The upcoming military parade in China will commemorate the end of the war, and Putin expressed confidence that the People’s Liberation Army will conduct the event with its usual brilliance. The parade serves as a reminder of the historic responsibility shared by Russia and China to preserve the memory of the war and its impact on their nations.
The meeting between Putin and Xi is a testament to the strong bilateral relationship between Russia and China, rooted in their shared history and responsibility as major world powers. As the world navigates complex geopolitical landscapes, preserving historic memory and recognizing past sacrifices remain essential for building a more stable and peaceful future.
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