China and Russia send pointed message to Washington on war anniversary
- Joint article by Beijing and Moscow ambassadors issues a reminder of old friendships and jabs at Trump administration
- Diplomats mark 75th anniversary of the end of World War II celebrating alliance but barely mention United States
“The friendship developed between the Russian and Chinese people in World War II represents an inexhaustible driving force for Russia-China relations and would last throughout the times,” the two ambassadors wrote in the article entitled “Honour the History for a Better Future”.
But the “lessons from history” included some none-too-subtle jabs at the Trump administration, which both Beijing and Moscow have criticised for its blunt style, aggressive rhetoric, unilateralism and apparent delight in ignoring precedent.
“The law of the jungle leaves the weak at the mercy of the strong; it is not the way for countries to conduct their relations,” the ambassadors wrote. “We should give up the thinking of zero-sum game.”
In his follow-up message on Twitter, a platform banned in China, Cui was more direct, calling on Washington and Beijing to “recapture the spirit of cooperation from World War II” and “join hands to confront our common enemies in the new era.”