Putin says USSR, China most affected by World War Two

MOSCOW, May 8. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that the Soviet Union and China were most seriously affected by World War Two since they suffered the greatest number of casualties.

"As a result of World War Two, the Soviet Union and China became the most-affected states since we had the largest number of citizens who died, both of the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China," Putin said at a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

Putin stressed that the Russian side was pleased to have an opportunity to discuss current issues on the sidelines of Moscow’s World War Two commemorations.

"I should note a very high level and a confidential nature of our relations," he told Xi.

Xi Jinping has invited his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to visit China at the beginning of September to take part in the celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the Victory over Japan and the end of World War Two.

He noted during their meeting in the Kremlin that China had been the main World War Two front in Asia.

"On September 3, our country is planning to hold celebrations on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the victory in China’s War of Resistance against Japan and the Victory in World War Two. In this regard, I cordially invite you to take part in these celebrations," the Chinese leader said.

Xi Jinping noted that China had fought against the Japanese militarism longer than any other country. "Just like Russia, we sustained great losses in that war," he said, adding that the two countries had built strong combat friendship in those years.

The Chinese leader added that, while celebrating the Victory, China and Russia didn’t think that "certain countries should be hated." This is done "to pay homage to fallen heroes", to make sure that "such tragedies are never repeated, to build peace in the world". "These are the goals of the celebrations," Xi Jinping said.

"I’m very pleased that my long-coveted dream has finally come true today - thank you for your hearty welcome," he added.

He noted that about 30 leaders of various countries and international associations would take part in the celebrations in Moscow. "This is, of course, a great holiday," Xi Jinping said.

The Chinese president arrived in Moscow on Friday for an official visit and participation in celebrations marking 70 years since Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.

Xi is expected to attend the traditional military parade on Red Square, in which representatives of China’s armed forces will also take part.