Nations vow to oppose any revision of history

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin talk at the banquet hosted by Xi in Beijing on Wednesday. Xi will meet with the Russian president on Thursday. XU JINGXING/CHINA DAILY

China and Russia vowed on Wednesday to stand against any attempt to deny or revise the history of World War II.

Premier Li Keqiang and Russian President Vladimir Putin made the remarks when they met in the Chinese capital.

Putin is among 30 heads of state and government leaders who will attend the Sept 3 victory parade marking the 70th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45) and the end of World War II.

"It is very important for us to celebrate the anniversary together. The peoples of the two countries have shown the world that we hold the same stance on the achievements of World War II," Putin told Li at the start of their talks.

"We both object to attempts to deny or revise history," he said.

Putin added that he will make good use of the visit to discuss bilateral ties, which he said are developing "very smoothly".

Li said the event is to commemorate victory in the war, and also to protect peace in the region and around the world.

"Let's protect the achievements of victory of World War II together," Li said.

President Xi Jinping will meet with Putin on Thursday.

Besides the Russian president, Chinese leaders also met with a group of foreign guests on Wednesday.

When meeting with Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain, Xi said China will unswervingly support Pakistan's efforts in safeguarding its national security, and is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Pakistan in international and regional issues.

Hussain noted the great contribution that the Chinese people made to the war 70 years ago, and said Pakistan cherishes its ties with China.

In another meeting, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi told Xi he was glad to attend China's V-Day celebrations on behalf of the Egyptian people. Egypt values its partnership with China and is excited about cooperating in the Belt and Road Initiative.