First Observation · Moment｜Applauding a Shared History and Future

Under the vast skies of Moscow, the majestic Red Square stood solemn. On May 9, local time, Russia held a grand celebration to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War. President Xi Jinping, along with leaders from over 20 countries and international organizations, attended the celebration upon invitation.

Amidst the spectacular scenes of the celebration, one moment was particularly moving—when the Chinese People's Liberation Army honor guard marched past the reviewing stand with resounding steps, Evgeny Znamensky, a 100-year-old Russian veteran who participated in the Battle of Berlin 80 years ago and was seated beside President Xi Jinping, solemnly gave a thumbs-up to President Xi. President Xi smiled and acknowledged him.

"As long as China and Russia stand closely together, there is no force in the world that can defeat us," said Evgeny Znamensky to President Xi.

Applauding a Shared, Unforgettable History

Eighty years ago, facing the claws of militarism and Nazism, the military and people of China and Russia fought side by side, writing a magnificent and heroic chapter in history. The great friendship forged through the trials of blood and fire laid a solid foundation for the high-level development of bilateral relations.

President Xi Jinping's attendance at the 80th anniversary celebration of the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War, and his cordial exchanges with Russian veterans, showcased to the world a great power leader who remembers history and cherishes friendship.

President Putin warmly welcomed President Xi's visit to Russia and attendance at the celebration. In his speech at the celebration, President Putin specifically mentioned the Chinese people's heroic resistance and highly praised their contribution to forging a shared future for humanity.

Today, China and Russia share the responsibility of upholding the correct view of World War II history. During President Xi's visit to Russia, the two countries issued a joint statement emphasizing that China and Russia will firmly stand on the side of international justice and are willing to work with peace-loving people worldwide to resolutely safeguard the post-war international order and build a better future for humanity.

From the historical memory of fighting for justice 80 years ago to the relentless efforts to jointly defend international fairness and justice in the new era, China and Russia, through their friendship and commitment that transcend time and space, inject strong positive energy and stability into a turbulent world.

Applauding the Companionship of Old Friends

President Xi's visit to Moscow is of great significance, injecting strong momentum into the development of China-Russia relations in the new era and pointing the way for the two countries to jointly safeguard the achievements of World War II.

As the Chinese People's Liberation Army honor guard, composed of 102 officers and soldiers, marched with firm and powerful steps to the majestic melody of the "March to Safeguard Peace," passing neatly and spiritedly in front of the Red Square viewing stand, the scene erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Their youthful and spirited faces were full of courage and determination, earning them the nickname "China's face" from netizens. They demonstrated the spirit of the Chinese military in the new era with the most disciplined posture, showing the world the determination and capability of a responsible major country to maintain world peace.

This year, China will solemnly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Russia has repeatedly expressed support for this. Mutual support for each other's commemorative activities is a firm consensus between China and Russia, demonstrating the strategic choice of two major countries to weather storms together and overcome challenges.

Applauding the Bright Future of China-Russia Relations

This visit to Moscow marks President Xi's 11th visit to Russia as China's head of state. Over the years, President Xi and President Putin have maintained close communication, meeting more than 40 times, leading the China-Russia relationship in the new era to forge ahead resolutely amid a complex external environment.

In the accelerating evolution of unprecedented changes in a century, China and Russia have successfully explored a correct way for neighboring major countries to get along, creating a new era China-Russia strategic cooperation spirit centered on permanent good-neighborly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation, setting an example of a new type of major power relationship with significant implications for the future of international relations.

During this visit, President Xi and President Putin held a series of in-depth, friendly, and fruitful talks, exchanging views on China-Russia relations and major international and regional issues, reaching many new important consensuses. The two heads of state jointly signed a joint statement on further deepening the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, and jointly witnessed the exchange of more than 20 bilateral cooperation documents between China and Russia, injecting new strong momentum into the future development of China-Russia relations and showcasing the bright prospects of comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

Looking to the future, no matter how the international situation changes, China will always stand on the side of fairness and justice, on the side of the noble cause of human peace and development. The image of the Russian veteran giving a thumbs-up to President Xi at the Red Square celebration conveys sincere appreciation and respect for China's commitment to justice and its responsibility as a major country.