In a significant meeting in Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the shared responsibility of their nations in safeguarding the memory of World War II. The two leaders, meeting ahead of a major Chinese military parade commemorating the war’s end, emphasized the immense sacrifices made by both the Russian and Chinese peoples in defeating fascism in Europe and Asia.
Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of these mutual visits as a symbol of the strong bilateral relationship and the shared responsibility of China and Russia as major victorious states in WWII and permanent members of the UN Security Council. He stressed the critical need to uphold the historical truth of their shared victory.
Putin, in turn, praised the upcoming Chinese commemorations, expressing confidence in the People’s Liberation Army’s ability to execute the event with brilliance. He echoed Xi’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of preserving the memory of the war and the immense price paid for peace and freedom by their ancestors.
The immense human cost of the war was starkly highlighted by both leaders. China’s conflict with Imperial Japan, beginning in 1937, resulted in an estimated 15 to 20 million casualties, including soldiers and civilians. The Soviet Union’s losses in defeating Nazi Germany following the 1941 invasion are estimated at 27 million, encompassing both military and civilian populations. This shared history of sacrifice, both leaders affirmed, forms the bedrock of their nations’ present and future achievements.
The meeting serves as a powerful reminder of the historical weight carried by both Russia and China, and their commitment to preserving the memory of those who fought and died for victory in World War II. The joint emphasis on historical accuracy and the preservation of this memory underscores the importance of remembering this pivotal moment in global history.
