Dr. Nivedita Das Kundu writes: China and Russia’s closeness was reflected very well during the Victory day celebrations that took place in Beijing and in Moscow to commemorate World War II victory. This ceremony depicted military strength of both China and Russia, whereby they put up a well-coordinated show, flaunting their latest armaments. On 3rd September, 2015, China commemorated the World War II victory. This reminded the world about China’s effective struggle against Japan’s imperial occupation over China, during 1937-45.[i] China’s Victory Day commemoration also hinted on Japan’s re-militarization under present leader Shinzo Abe.[ii] Russia on 9th May 2015, celebrated the victory day to mark 70 years since the victory over Nazi Germany. In China troops from 17 countries participated in the event[iii]and in Russia around 10 countries soldiers participated in the victory day parade including soldiers from India.[iv] The parade in Moscow and Beijing was attended by world leaders. Both head of the States from China and Russia were present during the ceremony in each other’s country and that was a prominent indication, whereas, absence of Western leaders and troops were conspicuous. Russia-China’s defense cooperation is going on smoothly for past many years. China’s most of the defense procurement is from Russia and this cooperation is likely to grow in the coming years.[v] Many regional countries have also got the idea about China’s new military capabilities during the victory day ceremony.
The present discourse among political and academic circle is such that Sino-Russian bonhomie was reflected clearly during the victory day celebrations in Beijing and Moscow.[vi] Off late, China and Russia has also upgraded their politico-economic ties.[vii] Nowadays, China and Russia has come to an agreement that despite their differences over some national interests, they are ready to cooperate with each other supporting each other in their need.[viii]In a way, both the nations are now sending messages that now Sino-Russian relationship is quite different from what it was few years back and they are now trying to make it even stronger than is generally expected by others. Moreover, they are also sending the clear indication that if any pressure is put from outside within their own arenas, then both the nations are ready to stand together to defend their interest.
End Notes
[i] “China holds massive military parade”, Tribune,04th September, 2015
[ii]Dikshit Sandeep, “More than a military parade in Beijing”, Tribune, 3rd September 2015
[iii] “Full Text of Chinese President’s speech at commemoration of 70th anniversary of war victory”, Xinhua, 3 September 2015
[iv] “Victory day in Russia”, available at http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/russia/victory-day
[v]“Xi announces 3 lakh troop cut for Chinese military”, Hindu, 3rd September 2015
[vi] Fabrizi Rebecca, “Putin supports Xi’s new diplomatic strategy to put China centre stage”, East Asia Forum, 2 January 2015, available at http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2015/01/02/putin-supports-xis-new-diplomatic-strategy-to-put-china-centre-stage/
[vii] Fabrizi Rebecca, “Putin supports Xi’s new diplomatic strategy to put China centre stage”, East Asia Forum, 2 January 2015, available at http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2015/01/02/putin-supports-xis-new-diplomatic-strategy-to-put-china-centre-stage/
[viii]China’s huge show of force at military parade may push India to buy new weapons, Times of India 04th September, 2015