Leaders exchange messages on victory anniversary

China and Russia vowed on Thursday to work together to safeguard the results of the victory in World War II and international fairness and justice, and to jointly uphold global stability and security.

President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin made the pledge in an exchange of messages celebrating the 75th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.

Xi recalled in his message that the victories of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the Soviet Union's war against Japan marked the final victory of the World Anti-Fascist War on the same day 75 years ago.

Noting that China and Russia, respectively the main battlefields in Asia and Europe, made historic contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, Xi said the two peoples fought side by side and forged an unbreakable and great friendship with blood, laying a solid foundation for the high-level development of bilateral ties.

As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, Xi said the two countries shoulder important responsibilities for world peace and development.

Xi said he is ready to work with Putin to take the 75th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War as an opportunity to guide the two nations to intensify their comprehensive strategic coordination.

Xi also said that Beijing and Moscow should work with the international community to actively uphold and practice multilateralism and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind in order to allow future generations to live in a world of lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity.

Putin also reviewed the tragedy caused by World War II as well as the profound friendship forged between the Russian and Chinese peoples in fighting fascism and militarism.

Any attempt to distort history and whitewash the Nazis, militarists and their accomplices must be firmly rejected, he said, adding that the feats of the liberators must never be forgotten or the outcome of World War II denied.

Russia is willing to continue making active efforts with friendly China to prevent war and conflicts and safeguard global stability and security, he said.