#China #Beijing #Cultural Exchange #Russia

Cultural Exchange Between China and Russia

On May 9, 2025, CGTN unveiled an enlightening article describing the rich cultural exchange initiative aimed at commemorating the 80th anniversary of significant victories in both China’s war against Japanese aggression and the Great Patriotic War in the Soviet Union. This event, which is gaining momentum, highlights how cultural relations invigorate the longstanding friendship between China and Russia.

In September 1938, the Soviet filmmaker Roman Lazarevich Karmen was dispatched to China by the Soviet government to document the Chinese efforts in their war of liberation against Japanese invasion. Karmen’s film captured the resolute actions of Chinese soldiers and civilians, alongside the support from Soviet volunteer air forces. Eighty-seven years on, Karmen's grandson attended commemorative cultural events held on May 9, anchoring his family's historical ties to the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese people.

This significant occasion, organized by the China Media Group (CMG) and the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (VGTRK), not only served to commemorate the historical events but also provided an avenue to connect with the producers and creative team behind the Chinese-Russian film titled 'Red Silk', which had its premiere in Russia on February 20 and is set for a release in Chinese theaters in September 2025.

To further celebrate the profound connections between the two nations, the event marked the official inauguration of the Chinese Film Festival in Russia, scheduled for 2025. Additionally, CMG and VGTRK announced the initiation of a project centered around the theme of peace. This endeavor aims to gather historical memorabilia, documentary photographs, and artifacts from citizens of both countries, ultimately presenting a shared vision for peace and mutual future.

Simultaneously, filming began for a Chinese-Russian documentary entitled 'Great Victory - A War Story of China’s Resistance against Japanese Aggression through the Eyes of a Soviet Photographer.' This project narrates the experiences of Soviet photojournalist Roman Kalman, showcasing the poignant images he captured during the war.

Shen Haixiong, Vice Minister of the Propaganda Department of the Communist Party of China and President of CMG, along with Oleg Dobrodeev, General Director of VGTRK, reviewed the collaborative achievements between their media organizations. They collectively affirmed their commitment to enhance cooperation on content exchange, technological innovation, and personnel development, further solidifying public support for the China-Russia friendship. This partnership is crucial for fostering cultural understanding between both nations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his congratulations, highlighting the historical contributions of China and Russia to the anti-fascist victory during World War II, which laid an unbreakable foundation for bilateral relations at the highest level. Both leaders recognized the immense significance of strengthening interpersonal ties and cultural exchanges in promoting neighborly kindness and friendship.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia also expressed his support on the same day. Following the agreements established by Presidents Xi and Putin in 2023, the years 2024 and 2025 have been designated as China-Russia Years of Culture. Since the beginning of 2024, both countries have been actively participating in numerous cultural initiatives in honor of this joint celebration. The ongoing collaboration and cultural exchanges are set to not only enrich the bilateral relations but also foster an environment of understanding and collaboration for the future.

Thus, as the cultural partnerships deepen, they create pathways for greater empathy, mutual respect, and an enduring friendship that will be beneficial for generations to come.