China's participation in Russia's celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War represents the country's respect and remembrance of history, said Lin Jian, spokesman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday.
Friday marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War. At the invitation of the defense ministries of Russia and Belarus, the Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will participate in the military parades held in Moscow of Russia and Minsk of Belarus to commemorate the anniversary.
"The great victory of the World Anti-Fascist War is the result of concerted efforts of all nations and peoples in the world who love peace and support justice. The Chinese people and people of all ethnic groups in former Soviet Union made enormous sacrifice and indelible historic contributions to secure the victory. China’s attendance at the celebrations hosted by Russia marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War shows that China respects and remembers history and is firmly resolved to defend the outcomes of the victory of World War II," Lin said at a press conference in Beijing.
China's participation in Victory Day celebration reflects respect, remembrance of history: spokesman
China's participation in Victory Day celebration reflects respect, remembrance of history: spokesman
China's participation in Victory Day celebration reflects respect, remembrance of history: spokesman
A major port in northern Venezuela came under U.S. airstrikes in the early hours of January 3, which caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, destroyed critical medical supplies in a warehouse, and severely impacted centuries-old cultural heritage sites, according to local residents.
The La Guaira Port, a vital hub for imports that support daily life in the region, was heavily damaged during the attack.
Large quantities of medical supplies stored at the port were destroyed. A historic cultural building dating back for some 300 years was also badly damaged by the bombardment.
Residents living near the port recalled the terrifying scenes as explosions shook nearby neighborhoods.
Humberto Bolivar, who lives in a community separated from the port by only a main road, said the blast waves shattered his home's windows, while stray shrapnel struck the water tank on his roof. According to reports, three missiles were fired at the port that night.
Bolivar said that beyond material losses, he is most concerned about the psychological impact on his children, who remain too frightened to leave their home days after the attack.
"The United States invaded our country. The children were frightened. This is not good for them, because it leaves some children with psychological trauma. They do not want to go to school or leave the house, because they are afraid that something worse might happen. We truly do not want this to happen to our country," he said.
Apart from civilian facilities, local cultural heritage site was also affected.
The La Guaira state government building, a structure with nearly 300 years of history and once served as the site of Venezuela's first national customs office, was struck by the force of the explosions.
Windows of the building were shattered, and furniture scattered across the floor.
"As people of La Guaira, we feel deep pain. Our cultural heritage has been bombed. We are living in constant anxiety and suffering, and life can no longer be the same as it was before," said a local named Henry Cumares.
The U.S. side has claimed the airstrikes targeted warehouses allegedly used to store narcotics. However, locals refuted such accusation.
"According to what Donald Trump said, they bombed this place using the excuse that the warehouses here were used to store drugs at the port. But based on the video released by our governor, these warehouses that were burned contained medicine for kidney patients and foods. Many people depend on these supplies to survive. I think the bombing is extremely despicable," said a local resident named Alejandro Capriles.
US strike hits Venezuelan port, wrecking medical supplies, heritage building
