Putin to visit China for WWII victory in Asia celebrations
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit China to attend events marking the 80th anniversary of its victory over Imperial Japan in World War II, Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu has said.
Shoigu made the announcement on Tuesday during talks in Moscow with Chen Wenqing, the head of the Chinese Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission. Chen is visiting Russia for the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues, a three-day forum running through May 29, which has drawn delegations from more than 100 countries.
'The Russian president will pay a return visit to China in September…' Shoigu said.
China officially commemorates the defeat of Imperial Japan each year on September 3, marking Tokyo's surrender in 1945 and the end of World War II in Asia.
Shoigu's announcement follows Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Moscow earlier this month, where he joined other world leaders for the May 9th Victory Day celebrations marking the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany.
During the talks with his Chinese counterpart, Putin emphasized that both Russia and China remain committed to preserving historical truth and remembering the wartime sacrifices of their nations.
'The Soviet Union gave 27 million lives, laid them on the altar of the Fatherland and on the altar of Victory. And 37 million lives were lost in China's war for its freedom and independence. Under the leadership of the Communist Party, this victory was achieved,' Putin said, stressiing the sacrifices 'should never be forgotten.' The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions and signed multiple agreements aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation. The sides also issued a joint declaration on global strategic stability. Chinese Foreign Ministry described Xi's visit to Moscow as 'a complete success.'
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