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The Chinese People’s Liberation Army troops will march alongside Russian military forces during the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War commemoration parades in Russia this week.
Military personnel from the Guard of Honor of the Chinese PLA are attending the military parades in Moscow and Belarus, at the request of Russian and Belarus defence ministries, on 9 May.
The anniversary commemorates the surrender of German forces near Berlin on 8 May 1945 and the loss of more than 24,000,000 people by the then-USSR during World War II.
It’s understood that this year’s parades will also be overseen by People’s Republic of China President Xi Jinping, who is expected to sign new bilateral agreements with Russia.
“The bilateral talks to be held during the visit will focus on the core aspects of further advancement of Russia–China relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation, as well as pressing matters on the international and regional agendas,” according to the Russian government.
“Additionally, the two leaders are to sign a number of bilateral intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents.”
This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese aggression, according to the PRC.
A PRC foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed that both presidents are seeking to deepen political mutual trust between the two countries, add new substance to strategic coordination and promote practical cooperation in various fields while further strengthening close coordination in the United Nations, SCO, BRICS and other multilateral platforms.
“History has told us to stay on high alert against war, which, like a demon and nightmare, would bring disaster and pain to the people,” a previous statement from Chinese President Xi said.
“History has also told us to preserve peace with great care, as peace, like air and sunshine, is hardly noticed when people are benefiting from it, but none of us can live without it.”
In addition, the PLA has recently been directed to expand its 8,000-strong peacekeeping standby force participation in UN peacekeeping operations.
The PLA “blue hats” reportedly conduct exchanges and cooperation on peacekeeping with more than 90 countries and 10 international and regional organisations, including in mine clearance and explosive ordinance disposal, medical treatment, security escorts and protection of civilians.
