Russia to give medals to Chinese veterans

Russia is to honor Chinese veterans who worked in the Soviet Union during World War II, Moscow's top envoy to Beijing said on Wednesday.

Russian media outlet Sputnik quoted Ambassador Andrei Denisov as saying that President Xi Jinping will also be a chief guest at celebrations in Moscow marking the 70th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany (1941-45).

The two moves are the latest indications of high-profile activities planned by China and Russia to mark the end of World War II, highlighting their close ties.

In an unprecedented move, the Russian embassy in China will award Jubilee Medals on April 15 to 40Chinese veterans who worked in the Soviet Union during the war, "in the year of the 70th anniversary of our common victory", Sputnik quoted Denisov as saying in Beijing.

Citing sacrifices made by the peoples of the former Soviet Union and China to secure victory, Denisov stressed the importance of historical accuracy and the need to counter biased interpretation of World War II history allowed by some "neighbors in the West and the East".

Chen Yurong, a senior researcher at the China Institute of International Studies, said awarding the medals is a friendly gesture by Russia as the two nations support each other on key issues, especially those related to history and principles.

Beijing and Moscow will stage many anniversary events, with state leaders attending them in each country.

Denisov said Xi will be a chief guest at Russia's celebrations to mark the victory over German fascism, and Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend the military parade in Beijing in September. The parade will mark victory day in the Chinese people's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45).

Denisov told a Hong Kong newspaper in February that a 60-member Chinese military delegation will take part in Russia's annual parade in Moscow's Red Square on May 9, the nation's Victory Day.

Hou Weiping contributed to this story.

zhaoshengnan@chinadaily.com.cn