Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked Chinese leader Xi Jinping for his participation in the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, which are taking place this week in Moscow. The presence of the Chinese head of state was defined by Putin as "significant support", and he stressed that Russia and China today "together oppose neo-Nazism", reports News.bg.
"The victory over fascism, won with enormous sacrifices, has eternal significance", the Russian president said during a joint meeting with his Chinese counterpart in the Kremlin on Thursday. “With our Chinese friends, we are together guarding historical truth, preserving the memory of the war years, and fighting the manifestations of neo-Nazism and militarism in modern times.“
Xi Jinping, the most senior of more than 20 foreign leaders attending the celebrations, responded that China and Russia would oppose “unilateralism and bullying” - an apparent reference to United States policy. He said the two countries would "promote the correct interpretation of the history of World War II, protect the authority of the United Nations and the interests of developing countries."
In one of the most solemn halls of the Kremlin, the two leaders met on the red carpet and exchanged warm greetings - "dear friend."
The presence of the Chinese delegation comes at a delicate moment in the Russian-Ukrainian war. Putin continues to present the military invasion of Ukraine as a fight against "modern Nazis," which Kiev and its Western allies categorically reject as historical manipulation and an attempt to justify aggression.
China, Russia's largest trading partner, plays a key role in its economic resilience amid Western sanctions. The visit is expected to see the signing of new bilateral agreements aimed at deepening the strategic partnership, which the two countries declared "without limits" shortly before the start of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022.
Earlier this week, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry called on other countries not to send their military representatives to the May 9 parade, as such participation would undermine their declared neutrality towards the war.