Russian President Vladimir Putin (C), Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev (L) and China's President Xi Jinping take part in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the Victory Day by the Kremlin walls in central Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2015. Russia marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe on Saturday with a military parade. [Photo/Agencies]
COMMEMORATING VICTORY OF WWII
In the life-or-death fight 70 years ago between justice and evil, all the peace loving countries and their peoples formed a united front facing the brutality and atrocity of the fascists, and, after making enormous sacrifices and years of courageous fighting, eventually prevailed over the barbaric invaders, Wang said.
The commemorations in Russia and later in China are aimed at remembering history and paying tribute to martyrs while, alongside people of all nations, safeguarding the hard-earned peace and ushering in a bright future for peace and development of all mankind, the foreign minister said.
The Chinese people supported the various commemorative events held by the European people to celebrate the victory of European theater in WWII in May, while China also plans to hold similar events in September to celebrate the hard-earned victory in the Asian theater, Wang said.
The Chinese president's attendance at the grand Victory Day parade at Moscow's Red Square on Saturday demonstrates Chinese people's deep respect for the Russian people who made enormous sacrifices in fighting against invaders, as well as for all the people who fought valiantly for freedom and peace in the European theater of WWII.
Xi, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, was among more than 20 leaders of countries, regions and international organizations to attend the commemorative event.
Accompanied by Putin, Xi, together with other distinguished guests, walked to Red Square and ascended to the reviewing stand to watch the Victory Day parade.
China's guards of honor, consisting of 112 members, joined the parade and marched through the Red Square. It was the first time for Chinese soldiers to participate in Russian Victory Day parades.
During the meeting between Xi and Putin, the Russian president clearly pointed out that, just like the Soviet Union, China also made paramount contributions to the victory of the WWII.
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev said he supported China's commemorative events in September, which can better demonstrate the Chinese people's contributions to the victory of WWII.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko also spoke highly of Chinese people's contribution, extending his support for China's commemorations later in the year.
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