Interview: China plays pivotal role in defeating fascism, Japanese militarism, says Russian expert

MOSCOW, May 10 (Xinhua) -- As the main theater in the East of the World Anti-Fascist War, China played a pivotal role in defeating Japanese militarism and achieving broader victory over fascism, an outcome made possible by the immense sacrifices of the Chinese people, a Russian museum expert has said.

Boris Cheltsov, scientific secretary of the Victory Museum in Moscow, underscored China's vital role in the war's outcome, noting that its prolonged resistance on the eastern front prevented Japan from redeploying large military forces elsewhere, which significantly weakened its strategic position.

"The Chinese people displayed extraordinary resilience and courage under extremely difficult conditions," he said.

Both Russia and China share a commitment to preserving the historical memory and their joint efforts to honor the legacy of World War II, counter historical revisionism and promote multilateral dialogue play a vital role in safeguarding the truth about the past, he said.

"Both countries oppose any attempts to revise the outcomes of the war -- a stance that is especially important amid ongoing actions by certain countries to distort historical events and reshape the global political landscape," he said.

Cheltsov also pointed out that Russia and China support the UN-centered international system and advocate for an international order underpinned by international law.

Their coordination and cooperation through frameworks like the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS reinforces the principles of sovereignty, non-interference and equal cooperation among states, he said.

History serves as a reminder of the dangers of aggression and militarism, Cheltsov noted, while highlighting the importance of cooperation.

"The decision to organize joint events (of commemoration) reflects the strong and trust-based Russian-Chinese relations, as well as the shared responsibility both countries have toward future generations," Cheltsov said. ■