Yang Cheng, Executive Dean of the Shanghai Academy of Global Governance and Area Studies at Shanghai International Studies University, was recently interviewed by the South China Morning Post, Dragon TV Tonight, Phoenix Global Connection, and GD Today, where he shared his views on why China and Russia emphasize promoting a correct view of World War II. The following are excerpts from those interviews.
China and Russia vs. the West: Strategic Competition Over the Narrative of World War II
(Source: South China Morning Post)
In May 2025, President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin jointly attended the Victory Day parade held in Moscow’s Red Square, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War. This parade was not only a remembrance of history but also a response to Western pressure, showing the firm position of China and Russia in global governance. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this visit aimed to promote a “correct view of World War II,” emphasizing that as permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia share a “special responsibility” to jointly oppose unilateralism and hegemony. Yang Cheng pointed out that the current parade serves the function of narrative control and geopolitical influence. Russia used the Red Square parade to demonstrate its influence during the Ukraine crisis, while Xi’s attendance signaled that China-Russia relations have become a cornerstone of strategic stability in the international system. Putin used the parade to further extend and deepen the narrative established in 2015, highlighting the importance of the Asian battlefield and China’s contribution to World War II.
He also pointed out that this reflects Russia’s adjustment in commemoration strategy in response to changing geopolitical concerns—especially as U.S.-China competition intensifies. Through military parades and commemorative activities, countries not only affirm their place in history but also convey political intentions and exert influence in the contemporary international arena. He emphasized that historical memory plays a crucial role in today’s international relations and has become a key tool for shaping national image and international status.
(Source link: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3309611/china-and-russia-v-west-geostrategic-battle-wwii-history)
Interviewer, Dragon TV Tonight:
This year marks the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan and the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. President Xi’s attendance at the Red Square parade was his first in ten years. What is the significance of this joint commemoration between China and Russia at such a critical historical juncture?
Yang Cheng:
Historically speaking, Chinese leaders have always attached great importance to participating in Russia’s Victory Day commemorative events. From Jiang Zemin to Hu Jintao to Xi Jinping, all have attended major anniversary events of Russia’s Great Patriotic War as guests of honor. It is worth noting that this is President Xi’s second participation in such a commemoration, which fully demonstrates the high level and special nature of China-Russia relations.
During both of Xi’s visits, President Putin emphasized adherence to the shared and correct historical view of World War II, especially stressing the importance of the Asian battlefield and China’s contribution to the war. This year, the joint statement signed by both countries also reflected this consensus. In his speech at the parade, Putin personally expressed gratitude to the Chinese people. Against the backdrop of accelerated global changes unseen in a century and the increasing challenges to the international order, this joint commemoration has profound significance: it demonstrates the joint efforts of two major victorious countries of World War II to uphold historical truth. By objectively restoring the historical narrative, it helps the international community better recognize the true history of the war, particularly the key role of the Asian battlefield. It also reflects the shared responsibility of China and Russia to safeguard the post-war international order, uphold the UN-centered international system, and promote the democratization of international relations, thereby injecting stability into an increasingly turbulent world. Moreover, it signifies the future direction of China-Russia relations. In the face of a highly uncertain and unstable global environment, the two major countries are fulfilling their responsibilities and jointly sending a positive signal of peace and development to the world, guiding the international community toward a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous future.
Interviewer, Dragon TV Tonight:
We’ve noticed that U.S. President Trump recently claimed that the United States made the greatest contribution to the victory of World War II and even proposed setting May 8 as “Victory Day.” This seems to challenge the historical narrative shared by China and Russia. Such distorted and fabricated historical views are essentially a struggle over historical interpretation and could be dangerous. In this context, what is the practical significance of China and Russia’s emphasis on promoting a correct view of World War II and safeguarding the achievements of victory?
Yang Cheng:
President Trump’s statements are indeed thought-provoking. Looking back at history, the United States’ unilateral tariff actions and other protectionist policies before World War II to some extent became one of the triggers for the outbreak of the war. However, these historical lessons now seem to be forgotten. The controversy surrounding Victory Day further highlights the importance of safeguarding historical truth.
The joint advocacy by China and Russia for a correct view of World War II history, in my opinion, carries important significance on three levels:
First, it is a necessary counterattack against historical nihilism. The current Western-centric narrative excessively exaggerates the contributions of certain countries while belittling the decisive roles played by the Soviet Union and China in World War II. The Soviet Union tied down the main German forces on the Eastern Front, and China resisted the main Japanese army on the Asian front—these are indisputable historical facts. We must objectively narrate history so that people worldwide understand the true historical context.
Second, it is key to defending the postwar international order. The international system established after World War II, centered around the United Nations, is the cornerstone of modern international relations. This order now faces severe challenges. China and Russia’s firm defense of the UN’s authority has significant historical and practical importance.
Third, it is an inevitable requirement to promote the democratization of international relations. History teaches us that unilateralism and protectionism only lead to disaster. Currently, the U.S. is returning to unilateral practices, including “withdrawals” and imposing unilateral sanctions, which run counter to historical lessons. China and Russia’s insistence on multilateralism and promoting the democratization of international relations is precisely to prevent the recurrence of historical tragedies. Learning from history helps us understand the rise and fall of nations. China and Russia’s joint efforts to uphold the truth of World War II history is not only respect for history but also responsibility for the future.
Interviewer, GD Today:
We know that the United States indeed gained huge benefits in the later stages of World War II, but looking back at history, the initial unilateral tariff actions initiated by the U.S. to some extent caused global turmoil and even became one of the triggers for the outbreak of World War II. This part of history deserves to be seriously told, so that more people can understand it. In addition, President Xi proposed comprehensively enhancing the “height, dimension, and resilience” of China-Russia relations. How do you understand these three “degrees”?
Yang Cheng:
Regarding the history of World War II, it is indeed necessary to point out that the current approach of the Trump administration bears some similarities to factors that triggered World War II in the past. The unilateral tariff actions initiated by the U.S. back then eventually became one of the triggers for the outbreak of World War II. Now, the U.S. is repeating similar mistakes, reminding us that we must learn from history.
Returning to China-Russia relations, we have often said that China-Russia relations are at their best in history. President Xi’s latest statement points out a new direction for developing China-Russia relations amid the accelerated evolution of the major changes in the world. Specifically:
First, “height” means that China-Russia relations have surpassed the scope of ordinary major-country bilateral relations and need to be planned from the strategic height of serving the well-being of all humanity. This requires us to view the bilateral relationship with a broader perspective.
Second, “dimension” emphasizes all-round cooperation. From the documents signed in Moscow this time, China-Russia cooperation has expanded from traditional trade and investment to emerging fields such as the digital economy and artificial intelligence, presenting a cooperation pattern that is comprehensive and multi-layered. This expansion of the cooperation scope enriches the connotation of the bilateral relationship.
Third, “resilience” is a new term that contains two important meanings: one is to strengthen the ability to respond to risks brought by the accelerated evolution of the international order; the other is to improve the resilience against external pressure. Against the current backdrop where international relations show a return of “national centrism” and obvious trends of bloc formation, China and Russia, as responsible major powers, must maintain strategic resolve and enhance their capacity to withstand pressure, so as to lead the international order toward the right direction. This resilience is reflected not only in countering U.S. suppression and containment but also in the ability to maintain the stability of the international order.
Interviewer, Phoenix Global Connection:
In his speech, Putin emphasized the importance of remembering history and opposed the distortion of historical facts. He highly praised the significant contributions of the anti-fascist forces, including the Allied powers and the Chinese people, to the victory in the war. How do you interpret the signals sent by Putin’s speech in the current international context? What new messages did this year’s Red Square military parade convey on political and cultural levels?
Yang Cheng:
I think the earlier observation by the reporter that Putin’s speech did not extensively address the Russia-Ukraine battlefield may be somewhat one-sided. In fact, analyzing Putin’s speech cannot be simply compared to those of 2024 or 2023, because this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Great Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War victory, which is a significant commemorative milestone. A more appropriate frame of reference should be major commemorations such as the 70th anniversary in 2015 and the 60th anniversary in 2005.
The speech in 2015 is particularly worth noting. It was delivered against the backdrop of the major changes in Russia-West relations following Crimea’s incorporation into Russia in 2014. Comparing the speeches of 2014 and 2015, we can observe clear differences: In 2014, Putin emphasized that “we will never distinguish the victory as ours or theirs,” and specifically thanked the anti-fascist allied countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and France for their assistance; but by 2015, he no longer thanked the governments of these countries individually but instead expressed gratitude to the peoples of the UK, France, and the US for their contributions to victory, while also thanking patriotic forces on various battlefields, including anti-fascist fighters from Germany.
This year’s speech continues this tone, emphasizing remembrance of history, highly praising the allied soldiers and war participants, and especially highlighting the heroic contributions of the Chinese people to the common cause. Compared with 2015, an important change is a more balanced view of the Asian theater, particularly emphasizing the contribution of the Chinese people. At the same time, the speech continues the 2015 practice of no longer specifically mentioning the allied governments of the US, UK, and France, but unifying thanks to the allied peoples.
This change is very interesting. I believe continuity outweighs rupture. Although on the surface Putin did not directly mention the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he specifically emphasized that “Russia was, and will remain, an insurmountable barrier against Nazism, Russophobia, and anti-Semitism,” which is in fact an indirect response to the current situation. This emphasis on the correct historical view of World War II is of great value for maintaining the stability of the international order, countering Western historical nihilism, and particularly responding to Trump’s repeated assertions that “May 8 is the true Victory Day” and claims that “the US made the greatest contribution in World War II.” The joint position demonstrated by China and Russia through joint statements and Putin’s speech holds important significance for defending the UN-centered international order.
Interviewer, Phoenix Global Connection:
Although Russia is isolated internationally, this year’s Victory Day parade in Red Square still attracted leaders from 27 countries and international organizations, with the attendance of Chinese President Xi Jinping receiving significant attention from the international community. What diplomatic significance does such a lineup hold for Russia?
Yang Cheng:
In fact, since February 24, 2022, when Putin launched the special military operation in Ukraine, the West has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Russia, and these sanctions have been escalating layer by layer. The United States alone has imposed more than 10,000 sanction measures on Russia. However, these sanctions have not truly isolated Russia.
This parade was attended by leaders from 27 countries, and especially the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping carries important strategic significance. The countries represented are quite interesting: in terms of total GDP, they account for about 30% of the world’s total, and in terms of population, more than half of the world’s population, demonstrating considerable representativeness.
Looking at the development over more than three years, Russia has not been broken by the sanctions; last year, its GDP even grew by 4.2%. In contrast, Germany experienced negative growth last year. This shows that under the continuously escalating sanctions, Russia not only stabilized the situation but also demonstrated strong resilience. This cannot be separated from Russia’s normal economic and trade exchanges with many countries that have not participated in the sanctions. The attendance of leaders from 27 countries at the parade is the best proof of this.
From a diplomatic perspective, this fully demonstrates that Russia has not been isolated. Especially against the backdrop of commemorative activities held in Ukraine and corresponding events in Europe and the US, this is essentially a contest over the narrative authority of World War II. So many national leaders choosing to come to Moscow to participate in the commemorations itself is a strong counterbalance to the negative image of Russia shaped by the West. It is an important political and diplomatic support for Russia, carrying significant strategic significance for Putin and the Russian people.
Interviewer, Phoenix Global Connection:
During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia, the two leaders issued a joint statement emphasizing the need to jointly respond to U.S. sanctions and other challenges, sending a strong signal to the outside world. Against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and diplomatic efforts between Russia and the U.S., how do you view the dynamics of the trilateral game among China, Russia, and the U.S.?
Yang Cheng:
The China-Russia relationship has always been a focal point of international attention. President Xi’s visit to Russia and attendance at the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II, during which a series of joint statements and documents were signed, reaffirmed the importance of bilateral relations. Particularly noteworthy is President Xi’s important discourse on comprehensively elevating the “height, dimension, and resilience” of China-Russia relations during the visit.
First, “height” means transcending the limitations of bilateral relations and planning cooperation from a strategic level that serves the common well-being of all humanity. This reflects the global vision and long-term perspective of the two leaders.
Second, “dimension” emphasizes the all-round expansion of cooperation fields. From the signed cooperation documents, it is clear that China-Russia cooperation has expanded from traditional trade and economic exchanges to emerging areas such as the digital economy and artificial intelligence, showing a fully covered and multi-level development pattern.
Finally, “resilience” not only refers to the ability to withstand pressure in response to U.S. hegemony but also carries the deeper meaning of enhancing risk prevention capabilities amid unprecedented global changes in a century. This is both an active response to the current international situation and a forward-looking plan for future challenges.
It should be emphasized that the deepening of China-Russia cooperation is not solely aimed at strategic competition with the U.S., but is a strategic choice based on shared interests and global development needs. The elevation of this cooperative relationship will make an important contribution to maintaining international strategic stability and promoting world peace and development.
Accurate WWII narratives by Russia and China combat the countercurrent of unilateralism: SISU professor
(Source: GDToday)
In May 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Russia to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II. This significant event was held at Moscow’s Red Square, attracting leaders from 29 countries and international organizations, highlighting the importance of multilateralism over unilateralism. Professor Yang Cheng, Executive Dean of the Shanghai Academy of Global Governance and Area Studies at Shanghai International Studies University, pointed out that the joint China-Russia commemoration of WWII reflects a shared desire for peace and vigilance against modern warfare, calling for equal consultation and joint decision-making among nations.
Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their countries’ important contributions to the anti-fascist war effort and emphasized the importance of accurately narrating the history of WWII, particularly recognizing China’s key role in the Asian theater. This consensus aims to deepen political trust between China and Russia and to resist unilateralism and power politics.
The two leaders also discussed international issues and strengthened cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and BRICS, jointly opposing the abuse of sanctions and bloc confrontation. Professor Yang noted that the current international situation is complicated by the United States’ divisive strategies.
The China-Russia strategic partnership marks a shift from the externally driven development of bilateral relations in the post-Soviet era toward a more autonomous and mutually beneficial direction, covering multiple areas including trade, education, and cultural exchange. Their joint statement emphasized commitments to cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union, aiming for high-standard connectivity. Overall, the meetings between Xi and Putin underscored the importance of pragmatic cooperation and strategic alignment, laying a foundation for addressing the complexities of the current global order.
(Source link: https://gdtoday.newsgd.com/post/?k=7e540b2508&t=0.8643097407183754)
Interviewee | Yang Cheng, Executive Dean and Professor, Institute of Global Governance and Regional Studies, Shanghai International Studies University.
Sources | South China Morning Post, May 8, 2025; “Dragon TV Tonight,” May 9, 2025; “Phoenix Global Connection,” May 9, 2025; GD Today, May 11, 2025.
Translated and reviewed by Zhang Yangyang with AI translator
