Moscow Honors Past, Eyes Present Unity
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, for attending the grand event commemorating 80 years since the fall of Adolf Hitler. The moment held heavy meaning for Putin, who described the World War II victory as sacred and stressed that China and Russia now jointly stand against modern-day threats like “neo-Nazism.”
The ceremony served not only as a remembrance of historical battles but also a display of political alliance. Putin has long drawn comparisons between his current campaign in Ukraine and the fight against Nazism during WWII, a view Ukraine and its allies sharply reject as misleading and false.
A Message of Shared Resistance
During his speech, Putin noted that the triumph over fascism came at a high cost and its memory must be preserved. He highlighted China as a loyal partner in guarding historical truth and confronting rising militarism. The Russian leader stated:
“Together with our Chinese friends, we firmly stand guard over historical truth, protect the memory of the events of the war years, and counteract modern manifestations of neo-Nazism and militarism.”
Xi Jinping echoed those sentiments, using the opportunity to criticize global domination, particularly alluding to the United States, without naming it directly.
Call for Balance and Global Fairness
Xi emphasized the need to push back against one-sided decisions in global politics. He spoke of promoting accurate views of history, upholding the United Nations’ role, and ensuring that the interests of developing nations, especially China and Russia, are safeguarded.
He also stressed building a balanced world economy, saying:
“We will jointly promote the correct view of the history of World War Two, safeguard the authority and status of the United Nations… and promote an equal, orderly, multipolar, and inclusive economic globalisation.”
Symbolic Gestures and Strengthened Diplomacy
The two leaders met in the Kremlin, walking in from opposite ends of a grand hall before shaking hands warmly and greeting each other as “dear friend.” This public show of friendship underscores how close Russia and China have grown diplomatically.
Xi was the most high-profile foreign leader attending the anniversary celebrations. Over 20 other global leaders were present, showing varied levels of support for Russia’s position amid its ongoing war with Ukraine.
Ukraine Warns Against Military Participation
Ahead of the May 9 parade, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry asked countries to avoid sending their armed forces to Moscow, arguing that doing so would violate their stated neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Despite that, Xi’s participation stood out as a strong signal of support for Putin.
China’s Support Behind Sanctions Wall
Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, just weeks after signing a “no limits” partnership agreement with China, Beijing has become a crucial ally for Moscow. With heavy sanctions from the West, Russia has leaned on China for trade and economic backing.
China has now become Russia’s top buyer of oil and gas, offering much-needed revenue as Moscow continues to face isolation from the West.
