Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored their nations’ shared responsibility to preserve the memory of World War II during talks in Beijing on Tuesday, ahead of a military parade marking the war’s end.
The two leaders framed their partnership as both historic and strategic, stressing the importance of protecting what they described as the “truth” of the sacrifices made by their peoples in defeating the Axis powers.
“Mutual visits have become a good bilateral tradition and showcase the great responsibility that China and Russia hold as major victor states in World War II and permanent members of the UN Security Council,” Xi said. He emphasized that commemorating the war is essential to safeguarding its legacy.
Putin praised the upcoming parade hosted by the People’s Liberation Army, expressing confidence that it would be conducted “with its usual brilliance.” He echoed Xi’s message, stressing the enduring significance of remembrance.
“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 against Imperial Japan, which began in 1937, is estimated to have claimed between 15 million and 20 million lives, including both soldiers and civilians. The Soviet Union lost about 27 million people during its campaign to repel Nazi Germany after Hitler’s invasion in 1941.
Xi’s meeting with Putin follows his trip to Moscow in May, where he attended Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9. Their reciprocal visits, both leaders suggested, symbolize a deepening partnership grounded in shared wartime history and their current role on the global stage.
