China, Russia agree to resolutely safeguard outcomes of World War II victory: spokesman

China and Russia have agreed to resolutely safeguard the outcomes of the victory of World War II, safeguard world peace and security, and uphold historical truth and international justice, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press conference in Beijing on Friday.

In response to a related media query, Lin briefed the press on the outcomes of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Russia and the 20th round of China-Russia strategic security consultation earlier this week.

"This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War. The two heads of state attended commemorations in each other's country, and agreed to firmly safeguard the outcomes of the victory of World War II and resolutely oppose any retrogressive acts attempting to whitewash colonial aggression, sending a powerful message for upholding justice and fairness in the current era," Lin noted.

"During the recent China-Russia strategic security consultation, the two sides conducted strategic alignment on issues related to Japan, reaching a high degree of consensus. Both sides agreed to resolutely safeguard the outcomes of the victory of World War II won at the cost of lives and blood, firmly oppose any erroneous words and deeds that attempt to whitewash the history of colonial aggression, and resolutely counter any attempts to revive fascism or Japanese militarism. Both sides stressed that China and Russia, as major countries and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, will shoulder their shared responsibility to safeguard world peace and security, and uphold historical truth and international justice," said the spokesman.

"We stand ready to continue coordinating and cooperating with Russia to resolutely curb the provocative acts of Japan's far-right forces that undermine regional peace and stability and attempt to remilitarize," Lin said.

China, Russia agree to resolutely safeguard outcomes of World War II victory: spokesman

China's permanent representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, has called for urgent action to improve the livelihoods of the Afghan people.

The UN Security Council met on Monday to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, including its recent cross-border tensions with Pakistan and the rights of women and girls. Fu stressed that Afghanistan is facing multiple challenges, including humanitarian, development, counter-terrorism, and human rights issues. Nearly 22 million Afghans still need humanitarian assistance, and more than 30 million people live on less than one dollar a day, Fu said. He noted that the humanitarian crisis is being worsened by the lingering threat of explosive remnants of war, the return of millions of refugees, and frequent natural disasters.

"It is regrettable that some countries have drastically reduced or even stopped aid to Afghanistan, forcing the United Nations and international humanitarian agencies to shut down many relief projects last year. This has made problems like food security, public health, and malnutrition among children and pregnant women even more severe. We urge traditional donors, especially those with historical responsibilities toward Afghanistan, to immediately restore and increase their aid, and to turn their concern for the Afghan people into concrete action," said Fu.

China also called on the Afghan government to adopt an open, inclusive, and responsible approach, and to swiftly change relevant policies to ensure the basic rights of all people, including women.

On the recent escalation of conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Fu expressed deep concern and sorrow over the casualties on both sides, urging both parties to remain calm and exercise restraint, achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, and resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiation.

Improving Afghan livelihoods urgent priority: Chinese envoy