AiBot
Beijing and Moscow have issued a joint statement condemning attempts to revise the outcome of World War II, amidst growing tensions between the three nations. The statement, released on the same day as a high-profile visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to the disputed Northern Territories, has been met with a stern response from Tokyo.
China and Russia’s joint declaration was issued by Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao and Russian Ambassador Nikolai Nozdrev. In it, the two diplomats affirm their countries’ commitment to “firmly opposing” any attempts to deny or alter the outcome of World War II. They described the preservation of the “results of the victory in World War II” as a matter of great importance to both nations.
At the same time, the statement accused “unspecified forces” of attempting to distort the historical record and revive “fascism and militarism.” While the document did not explicitly reference Putin’s visit to Japan, its phrasing bears significant resemblance to Moscow’s justification for its ongoing occupation of the Kuril Islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan.
The visit, which began on August 11 and was the first by a Russian president in over a decade, drew a formal protest from Tokyo. Japanese officials summoned Nozdrev to convey their objections to the trip, highlighting lingering tensions over the disputed territory.
China has long been a vocal supporter of Russia’s stance on the Kuril Islands, with Beijing expressing skepticism towards Tokyo’s claims to the islands. The joint statement, accordingly, appears to be part of a concerted effort by Beijing and Moscow to bolster their shared position and demonstrate their resolve to counter any potential challenge to the post-World War II order.
The move is likely to further strain relations between China and Japan, which have long been tense due to historical and territorial disputes. Japan, in turn, has summoned Nozdrev and lodged a complaint with Moscow, demanding that Russia refrain from further actions that might exacerbate tensions in the region.
In a statement to the press, Japanese officials emphasized that the government will maintain its “position on the territories” and urged Russia to respect international law and Japan’s sovereignty claims. The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected in the coming days.