【By Observer Net, Chen Sijia】 Russian President Putin is about to embark on a visit to China, attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Tianjin Summit and the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. According to a report by TASS on August 30, Putin gave an interview to Xinhua News Agency before his departure, stating that Russia actively cooperates with China within the BRICS framework, and both countries jointly oppose discriminatory sanctions in world trade.

TASS reported that, as a tradition, Russian leaders are given detailed interviews by their country's media before going abroad on official visits on issues related to bilateral relations.

Putin told Xinhua that both Russia and China support reforms in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, "We agree that the new financial system should be based on open and truly fair principles, ensuring all countries can use its tools equally and non-discriminatorily. It is important to avoid using finance for new colonialist purposes contrary to the basic interests of the majority of the world's people."

Putin said that Russia is actively cooperating with China within the BRICS framework to enhance the influence of BRICS as one of the core mechanisms of the international architecture, "We are united in our support for further strengthening the role of BRICS in addressing the hot issues of our era, which reflects our shared understanding of regional and global security situations."

He emphasized that Russia and China have formed a "united front" to jointly oppose discriminatory sanctions in world trade, which hinder the socio-economic development of BRICS member states and the entire world.

When asked about economic and trade cooperation between Russia and China, Putin introduced that since 2021, trade volume has increased by approximately $100 billion, with China being undoubtedly Russia's largest trading partner. Russia ranked fifth among China's trading partners last year. "It needs to be emphasized that although trade volume figures are calculated in U.S. dollars and other currencies, almost all settlements between the two countries have been completely switched to local currencies, with the share of U.S. dollars and euros reduced to the level of statistical error."

Russia remains the top exporter of oil and natural gas to China. Putin stated that since the "Power of Siberia" gas pipeline was opened in 2019, the total supply of "blue fuel" has exceeded 100 billion cubic meters. Another gas pipeline, known as the "Eastern Gas Pipeline," is scheduled to go into operation in 2027.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia, Visual China

Putin is about to attend the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Regarding the historical memory of the World Anti-Fascist War, Putin said that Russia will never forget that China's heroic resistance became one of the decisive factors in preventing Japan's attack on the Soviet Union in 1941-1942, allowing the Soviet Red Army to concentrate its efforts to defeat the Nazis and liberate Europe.

"The Soviet Union and the Chinese people were the first to suffer in the war, enduring the heaviest and greatest casualties. Our two peoples made great sacrifices in the struggle against aggressors and played a key role in defeating the Nazis and militarism," said Putin. "These harsh trials clearly demonstrated and strengthened the fine tradition of friendly mutual assistance between our two countries, laying a solid foundation for modern Sino-Russian relations."

Putin pointed out that the experience of the Soviet Union and the Chinese people in resisting German Nazism and Japanese militarism has eternal value for both countries.

He also emphasized: "Russia and China strongly condemn any attempts to distort the history of World War II, glorify the Nazis, militarists and their accomplices and executioners, or defame the liberators. The war achievements enshrined in the UN Charter and other international documents are inviolable, and any tampering is unacceptable. This is our unshakable position together with our Chinese friends."

Regarding Sino-Russian relations, Putin said that cooperation within multilateral frameworks is an important part of Sino-Russian relations and an important factor in global politics, "The two countries exchange views on key international issues, repeatedly proving that they have extensive common interests and similar views on principled issues."

Putin pointed out that the solid relationship between Russia and China is an important factor in world politics, playing a "ballast" role, "As two major countries in Eurasia, we cannot ignore the current challenges and threats - whether in Eurasia or the entire world."

He said that the two countries should move forward for the benefit of all humanity, "I believe that Russia and China will continue to work hand in hand to achieve this noble goal and strive together for the prosperity and flourishing of our great nations."

Russian President's press secretary Peskov said on the 27th that Putin's upcoming visit to China is "unprecedented", "We are preparing for this visit, and the president is also preparing for it. High-level exchanges between Russia and China, as well as international interactions during this visit, are of great importance to us. (Sino-Russian relations) has always been our priority issue."

Chinese Foreign Ministry Assistant Minister Hong Lei said on the 28th that President Putin's visit to China to attend the commemorative event further demonstrates the high level of the new era of comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between China and Russia, and declares the unity of China and Russia in safeguarding the results of the victory of World War II.

Hong Lei said that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. In the face of the complex international situation, China and Russia, as founding members of the United Nations and permanent members of the Security Council, will continue to work to maintain the authority of the United Nations and international fairness and justice, strengthen cooperation within multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the BRICS, practice genuine multilateralism, and work together to create a brighter future for the destiny of humanity.

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