H.E. Hu Jintao
President of the People's Republic of China
Moscow, 8 May 2010
Respected Russian veterans,
Dear comrades and friends,
Good afternoon. It gives me much pleasure to attend celebrations marking the 65th anniversary of the victory of the Great Patriotic War. Five years ago, I met here in Moscow some Russian veterans who fought in northeast China during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. So, I relish this opportunity to have a cordial meeting with some new as well as old friends today. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I'd like to express sincere greetings and pay tribute to all of you.
The Second World War that broke out more than 70 years ago was an unprecedented disaster to world peace. People around the world, united as one, rose to defeat fascist aggressors and safegurad world peace. The heroic Soviet army and people fought fiercely in epic battles from defending their homeland to conquering Berlin, and 27 million of them gave their lives. They not only upheld the sovereignty and dignity of their fatherland, but also made indelible historic contribution to the victory of the global war against fascism.
Meanwhile, in China, the main battlefield of the Asia-Pacific theater of the Second World War, my people fought tenaciously against Japanese aggressors for eight long years, and 35 million sons and daughters of the Chinese nation died for their country. In this unyielding struggle, the Chinese people dealt a heavy blow to Japanese aggressors, crushing the attempt of Japanese militarists to dominate Asia and contributing significantly to the victory of the global war against fascism.
We shall never forget that, in this extremely ferocious struggle, Soviet Red Army soldiers, including all of you, marched to northeast China, fought shoulder to shoulder with Chinese comrades-in-arms and populations, and made important contribution to the Chinese people's ultimate victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Many fine Russian men and women laid down their lives on Chinese soil, and profound friendship was forged between our two peoples in this war against fascism. Cemented in blood, this friendship provides the solid foundation both for the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and for ever-lasting friendship between Chinese and Russian peoples. Over the decades, we have always cherished the memory of Chinese and Russian martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice for the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and we shall always remember their historic contribution.
On the eve of the victory day of the Great Patriotic War, we are deeply aware that peace has not come easily and should be cherished with all our heart. Given the complex and fluid international situation, China and Russia should take history as a mirror, look to the future, strengthen strategic coordination and make joint efforts in the following key areas:
We should promote the right conception of history. It is a hard fact that China and Russia made extraordinary contribution to the victory of the global war against fascism. The Chinese people hail the important role of the Soviet army and people in the war and will always remember their helping hand at a decisive moment in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
We should promote a new thinking on security anchored in mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and coordination. The Second World War ended 65 years ago, but we must always remember the painful lessons of that war. The world is still not tranquil and faces grave challenges to peace and development. We call on the international community to embrace and practice the new thinking on security, increase mutual trust, accommodate each other's interests, persist in friendly consultations, respect the diversity of civilizations and work together for cooperation and development.
We should strengthen strategic coordination. As two major countries in the world and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia have the responsibility to actively promote a more multi-polar world, make international politics more democratic, and work for a more just and equitable international political order. Let us work closely in international affairs and jointly uphold world and regional peace.
Comrades and friends,
The world is undergoing tremendous development, change and adjustment. I am confident that the Chinese and Russian people, along with people around the world, will always remember history, work for a better future, and make unremitting efforts for a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity.
In closing, I wish all of you longevity, health and happiness.
Thank you.