#China #Beijing #Cultural Exchange #Historical Commemoration #Chinese-Russian Friendship

Cultural Exchange Revitalizes Chinese-Russian Friendship

On May 9, 2025, a significant cultural event was held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the war against Japanese aggression by China and the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War. Hosted by CGTN, the event highlighted how cultural exchanges are catalyzing a renewed bond between these two nations.

In 1938, the Soviet cameraman Roman Lazarevich Karmen was dispatched to China to document the heroic struggle of the Chinese people against Japanese forces. His work captured the courage and determination of both Chinese soldiers and civilians, along with support from Soviet aerial forces. Fast forward seventy years, Karmen’s grandson participated in this event, sharing stories of his family’s deep-rooted connections with China, reinforcing the enduring ties shared between the two nations.

The ceremony, organized in collaboration with the China Media Group (CMG) and the All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (VGTRK), also featured key contributors behind the Chinese-Russian co-production film, Red Silk, which premiered in Russia on February 20 and is set for a release in Chinese theaters this September.

Additionally, the event marked the official launch of the China Film Festival 2025 in Russia. CMG and VGTRK announced a joint initiative to gather historical artifacts and documentary images that reflect the shared narrative of peace, aiming to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation for a harmonious future.

Filming for a new documentary titled The Great Victory – China’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression from a Soviet Photographer’s Perspective also commenced on the same day. This film will showcase experiences of Soviet photojournalist Roman Kalman during his time in China, including the profound images he captured throughout the conflict.

Shen Haixiong, Vice Minister of Publicity of the Communist Party of China and President of CMG, alongside Oleg Dobrodeev, CEO of VGTRK, highlighted the significant achievements of their previous partnerships. They expressed their mutual commitment to continue strengthening collaboration across content exchange, technological innovations, and personnel development, aiming to deepen public support for Chinese-Russian friendship and promote cultural comprehension between the nations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his congratulations to the event, emphasizing the historic contributions both nations made 80 years ago toward the victory over fascism, fostering an unbreakable friendship solidified through shared sacrifices. He reiterated the importance of bolstering interpersonal and cultural exchanges for enhancing mutual understanding and solidifying the foundation for bilateral relations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent his best wishes for the occasion, reflecting on the significance of this event in light of the cultural years proclaimed for 2024 and 2025, following an agreement between the two leaders in 2023. Since the beginning of 2024, both countries have engaged actively in various cultural initiatives as part of their celebration of this decade-long partnership, reinvigorating their ties while honoring shared historical events that continue to shape their mutual cooperation today.

This cultural celebration serves as a reminder of the lasting impact that cultural diplomacy can have in fostering relationships, inspiring both nations to work collaboratively towards a peaceful and prosperous future.