China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on August 28 that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the September 3 “Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War” in Beijing, which will include a large-scale military parade.
Hong Lei, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that China and North Korea historically supported each other during the War of Resistance Against Japan, jointly fighting Japanese aggression. He emphasized the importance of preserving and developing the traditional friendship between China and North Korea. Hong noted that China is willing to work together with North Korea in strengthening exchanges and cooperation, advancing socialist construction, and promoting regional peace and stability, to write a new chapter in bilateral ties.
Regarding Putin’s participation, Hong highlighted that China and the Soviet Union were major forces on the battlefields of Asia and Europe during World War II, fighting side by side and supporting each other, making decisive contributions to the victory of the global anti-fascist struggle. He recalled that in May this year, President Xi Jinping attended Russia’s Victory Day parade at Putin’s invitation, during which the two leaders reached important agreements and reaffirmed that the historical truth and achievements of World War II must not be distorted or denied.
Putin’s upcoming visit to Beijing, Hong added, further demonstrates the high-level “comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era” between China and Russia and signals the two countries’ united stance in jointly safeguarding the legacy of the World War II victory.