This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War, and the World Anti-Fascist War. It also marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN). In this historic year, China and Russia, as major countries in the world and permanent members of the UN Security Council, shoulder important responsibility to promote a multipolar world based on equality and order, and economic globalization that benefits all.
In a recent exclusive interview with the Yangcheng Evening News, Alexander Chernousov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Guangzhou, emphasized that amid attempts by some Western countries to distort the history and outcomes of World War II (WWII), the coordination between China and Russia in safeguarding the truth of WWII carries special significance.
Yangcheng Evening News:This year is the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. China and Russia fought shoulder to shoulder against fascist aggression. What commemorative activities has the Consulate arranged?
Chernousov:The Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War and China's triumph in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression are landmark events in the modern histories of both Russia and China. At the invitation of President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping is paying a state visit to Russia from May 7th to 10th and will attend the 80th anniversary celebration of the Soviet victory.
To mark this milestone, our Consulate General has organized a series of events. On May 7th, we held a wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb of Soviet military advisor Babashkin in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. On May 9th, Victory Day, we hosted the annual Immortal Regiment march and a commemorative reception at the Guangzhou Uprising Martyrs Cemetery.
We are sincerely grateful to China for preserving historical evidence of the Soviet Union's contribution to the defeat of Japanese militarism and for their meticulous care of relevant military memorial sites.
Yangcheng Evening News:In your view, what historical experiences did the military and civilian cooperation between China and the Soviet Union offer during WWII? What relevance do these experiences hold for today's global challenges?
Chernousov:During WWII, the Soviet Union and China were both members of the anti-fascist alliance. We fought side by side and made enormous contributions in the battles against Nazi Germany and Japanese militarism, overcoming immense hardships together.
We deeply value the splendid chapter of joint struggle against fascist forces and maintain a shared understanding of the war's causes, developments, and outcomes.
Today, China-Russia relations reach the highest level in history. Based on the consensus between our leaders, our bilateral ties have transcended the traditional Cold War-era model of military-political alliances. They are now defined by non-alignment, non-confrontation, and non-targeting of third parties. Our cooperation has become a cornerstone of regional and global stability and security.
Military-technical cooperation is a key element of our relationship. It is fully legal, adheres to all international laws, and does not target any third party. In the current global context, such cooperation is particularly important in safeguarding the sovereignty of both countries.
Yangcheng Evening News:This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the WWII victory. How do you view the two nations' common stance on safeguarding the legacy of that victory and countering historical nihilism? What mechanisms can help enhance the international dissemination of this shared historical memory?
Chernousov:One of the most significant outcomes of the Allied victory in WWII was the establishment of the UN and its core peacekeeping body, the Security Council. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN. For decades, the effective functioning of the UN has played a crucial role in preventing large-scale armed conflicts worldwide and in safeguarding global peace.
However, in recent years, certain Western countries have attempted to undermine the international legal order centered on the UN. They have sought to replace it with a so-called "rules-based international order." The unilateral actions of these countries, bypassing the UN Charter, have already destabilized the international situation, triggering serious armed conflicts in regions such as Europe and the Middle East, and even posing the risk of escalating into larger-scale wars.
To maintain global stability, Russia and China have consistently supported and adhered to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, drawing on the lessons of history. We jointly advocate for a fairer, more democratic, and sustainable international order. In response to current global transformations, China and Russia share similar perspectives and standpoints. We will continue to strengthen our bilateral cooperation when addressing key international issues at the UN and other multilateral forums.
In light of recent attempts by certain Western countries to distort the history and outcomes of WWII, the joint efforts of China and Russia in defending the truth carry extraordinary importance. Together, we have supported UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions opposing the glorification of Nazism. Alarmingly, several countries, including Germany, Italy, and Japan, have voted against such resolutions, despite having been the chief aggressors during WWII. To prevent the recurrence of genocidal tragedies, all UN member states must unconditionally support these vital resolutions.
Yangcheng Evening News:Chinese audiences are well-acquainted with Soviet wartime cultural works like "The Dawns Here Are Quiet," and the heroic deeds of Soviet volunteer pilots who fought in China are remembered to this day. How can cooperation in culture and education help deepen younger generations' understanding of the anti-fascist legacy?
Chernousov:In the campaign to liberate Northeast China, more than 12,000 Soviet soldiers lost their lives fighting the Japanese Kwantung Army. Among them, 214 volunteer Soviet pilots died defending Chinese airspace from militarist Japan. The Chinese government and people built cemeteries and monuments in honor of these Soviet martyrs, and have preserved them with great care, for which we are deeply grateful.
As members of the postwar generation, we primarily learned about WWII through books and films. In Russia, "The Dawns Here Are Quiet" remains a beloved classic. To promote historical truth and highlight the solidarity between our peoples in the anti-fascist struggle, I believe joint film and television productions on this theme would be very meaningful.
Among the youth in Russia, the patriotic movement is thriving. Organizations like the "Young Guard" are actively engaged in initiatives such as locating battlefield remains and identifying unknown soldiers, restoring their names and dignity. I am confident that cooperation with Chinese institutions in these areas will not only enhance objective understanding of history but also deepen friendship between our youth. The future of our two countries lies in the hands of the younger generation.
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of China's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the readers of Yangcheng Evening News and to all Chinese people. May peace prevail always.
Source: Lingnan On the Cloud
专访俄罗斯驻广州总领事：中俄共同捍卫二战历史真相具有重要意义
今年是中国人民抗日战争、苏联伟大卫国战争暨世界反法西斯战争胜利80周年。今年也是联合国成立80周年，中方同俄方一道，肩负起作为世界大国和联合国安理会常任理事国的特殊责任，携手推动平等有序的世界多极化、普惠包容的经济全球化。
近日，俄罗斯驻广州总领事切尔诺乌索夫·亚历山大（以下简称“切尔诺乌索夫”）在接受羊城晚报记者专访时表示，在当前某些西方国家企图篡改第二次世界大战历史及其结果的背景下，中俄两国加强协作、共同捍卫二战历史真相具有特殊重要意义。
羊城晚报：今年是世界反法西斯战争胜利80周年，中俄两国曾在二战期间并肩抗击法西斯侵略。俄罗斯驻广州总领事馆安排了哪些纪念活动？
切尔诺乌索夫：苏联伟大卫国战争胜利和中国人民抗日战争胜利是俄罗斯和中国近代史上的重大事件。5月7日至10日，应俄罗斯联邦总统普京的邀请，中华人民共和国主席习近平对俄罗斯进行国事访问并出席纪念苏联伟大卫国战争胜利80周年庆典。
为了纪念苏联伟大卫国战争胜利80周年，俄罗斯联邦驻广州总领事馆举行一系列活动。其中，5月7日，我馆在位于广西壮族自治区桂林市的苏联军事顾问巴巴什金之墓举行献花仪式，并于5月9日胜利日在广州起义烈士陵园举行一年一度的“不朽军团”活动和招待会。
借此机会，我要对中方保护苏联为战胜日本军国主义所作贡献的历史证明、精心维护相关军事纪念地表示感谢。
羊城晚报：您认为两国军民在世界反法西斯战争中的合作有哪些历史经验？这些历史经验对当前国际社会应对全球性挑战有何启示？
切尔诺乌索夫：在第二次世界大战期间，苏联和中国同属反法西斯阵营。我们两国肩并肩作战，在反对德国纳粹主义和日本军国主义的斗争中作出了极大的贡献，也克服了极重的困难。
我们珍视共同抗击德国纳粹主义和日本军国主义的光辉历史篇章，在第二次世界大战的起因、进程和结局等重大问题上立场高度一致。
当前，俄中关系处于历史最高水平。根据两国领导人的共识，当前的中俄关系超越冷战时期的军事政治同盟模式，具有不结盟、不对抗、不针对第三方的性质。中俄双边关系已成为维护地区乃至全球安全稳定的重要支柱。
军事技术合作是两国双边关系的重要组成部分。这一合作不针对任何第三方，完全合法，符合所有国际法准则。在当前国际背景下，此类合作对维护我们两国主权具有特殊重要意义。
羊城晚报：今年是世界反法西斯战争胜利80周年，您如何看待两国在维护二战胜利成果、反对历史虚无主义方面的共同立场？未来双方可通过哪些机制加强这些历史记忆的国际传播？
切尔诺乌索夫：盟国在第二次世界大战中取得胜利的一个重要成果，是创立了联合国和负责维护国际和平的核心机构——安全理事会。今年也是联合国成立80周年。数十年来，正是通过联合国的有效运作，我们得以避免全球范围内的大规模武装冲突，维护了世界和平。
近来，某些西方国家频频发起攻击，企图破坏以联合国为中心的国际法秩序，妄图用所谓“基于规则的国际秩序”取而代之。这些国家绕开《联合国宪章》的单边行径，已经导致国际局势的不稳定，在欧洲、中东等地引发严重武装冲突，甚至可能升级为更大规模的战争。
为了维护全球稳定，俄罗斯和中国基于历史经验教训，始终支持、尊重、遵守《联合国宪章》宗旨与原则。面对新的国际形势，两国主张建立一个更公平、更民主且可持续的世界秩序。面对当下的世界变局，中俄持相近的立场和观点。在联合国各个机构探讨国际议程的关键问题时，中俄将不断加强双边协作。
在当前某些西方国家企图篡改第二次世界大战历史及其结果的背景下，中俄两国加强协作、共同捍卫二战历史真相具有特殊重要意义。我们与中国共同支持联合国大会通过“反对美化纳粹主义”决议案。但令人忧虑的是，包括德国、意大利和日本在内的多个国家代表团却对此投下反对票，而这些国家正是当年挑起第二次世界大战的罪魁祸首。为避免历史上种族灭绝的悲剧重演，我们必须推动联合国全体成员无条件支持此类决议。
羊城晚报：中国人民对《这里的黎明静悄悄》等苏联卫国战争文艺作品耳熟能详，而苏联飞行志愿队援华抗战的事迹也在中国被铭记。您觉得应如何通过文化、教育领域的合作，让两国青年更深刻地理解反法西斯战争的精神遗产？
切尔诺乌索夫：在解放中国东北的战役中，有超过1.2万名苏联官兵在与日本关东军的战斗中壮烈牺牲。其中，214名苏联志愿飞行员为保卫中国领空免受日本军国主义侵略献出了宝贵生命。中国政府和人民为争取中国自由独立而牺牲的苏军烈士建立了墓地和纪念碑，并一直精心维护，我们对此十分感谢。
作为二战后成长的一代，我们主要通过书籍和电影了解这段历史。在我国，电影《这里的黎明静悄悄》至今仍广受欢迎。为了向大众传递历史真相，展现中苏两国人民在抗击日本军国主义斗争中结下的战斗情谊，双方可就此主题开展联合影视制作合作。
在俄罗斯的年轻人中，爱国主义运动蓬勃发展，如“青年近卫军”等组织积极开展战场遗址搜寻工作，发掘无名烈士墓，让英雄重获姓名。我相信，与中国相关机构的合作不仅有助于客观认识反法西斯斗争历史，还能增进两国青年友谊。我们两国的未来属于青年。
值此中国人民抗日战争胜利80周年之际，我想向《羊城晚报》的读者以及全体中国人民致以诚挚祝贺，并祝愿永享和平。
文丨记者 付怡 赵鹏
图丨记者 曾育文 温泽广
翻译丨杨钧雅
审校丨曾敏