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On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, leaders from 27 countries gathered in Moscow to attend the parade. Among the foreign guests, China and North Korea received special attention, highlighting the close strategic and ideological ties with Russia.
Chinese President Xi Jinping was a key guest at the celebrations. This was his second visit to the Victory Day parade in Moscow. The Chinese leader watch the parade next to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Engaging in conversation and exchanging remarks. The day before, the two leaders signed a statement on further deepening the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between their countries. In the lead-up to the visit, Xi noted that the “world anti-fascist war demonstrated the combat brotherhood, mutual assistance, and support of the peoples of China and Russia.”
Key Statements from Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping on May 8 included:
- Vladimir Putin:
- The relations between Russia and China have reached the highest level in history.
- Major Chinese manufacturers of microelectronics, cars, and household appliances will increase their presence in the Russian market.
- Russia and China have built a reliable system of mutual trade protected from global market fluctuations.
- Almost all foreign trade operations between Moscow and Beijing are conducted in national currencies.
- Plans to significantly increase bilateral trade between Russia and China by 2030.
- Xi Jinping:
- Expressed gratitude to Putin for the warm welcoming in Russia.
- Stated that “the great friendship of our peoples is tempered by fire and sealed with blood.”
- Expressed readiness to protect the truth about the history of World War II together with Russia.
The two countries emphasized their commitment to oppose the “double containment” policy of Washington towards Russia and China. They also called on nuclear states to resolve issues through negotiations rather than force, underscoring their responsibility to preserve the accurate historical memory of World War II.
The units of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Egypt, China, Laos, Mongolia and Myanmar marched in a solemn march:
The Chinese military contingent was the largest among the foreign military units participating in the parade. Vladimir Putin personally congratulated parade squad commanders, including Chinese commander Senior Colonel Ju Vei Min:
The crowd screams when Vladimir Putin personally came up to warmly congratulate the North Korean military and thanked them for participation in the counter-terrorist operations in the Kursk region. Putin hugged Kim Yong Bok, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army:
“Have a nice day! Thank you very much. I congratulate you. Best wishes to all your soldiers,” the head of state addressed the Deputy Chief of the General Staff.
In their turn, North Korean military personnel were seated in the front row on the tribune, receiving special attention from President Putin, who personally greeted them and expressed gratitude for their role in the liberation of the Kursk region.
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Meanwhile, Kim Jong-un visited the Russian Embassy, congratulated on Victory Day and confirmed his position on the development of the alliance with Moscow.
The presence of leaders from China and North Korea at the Victory Day parade highlighted the strong ideological and strategic ties between these countries and Russia. The joint statements and interactions during their visits to Moscow underscored the commitment to deepening cooperation and protecting the historical truth about World War II.
