friendship between peoples of Belarus, China — forged during war years — became enduring source of brotherhood

The friendship between the peoples of Belarus and China, forged during the hard war years, has become an enduring source of brotherhood — as stated by Zhang Wenchuan, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Belarus, during today’s opening ceremony of the photo exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, held at the Belarusian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War History

Mr. Wenchuan noted that reflecting on the events from eighty years ago, it is evident that the Chinese people created a heroic chapter in history through their blood and sacrifice, which astonished the entire world.

As the primary battleground on the eastern front during WWII, China began its fight against fascism in 1931, earlier than any other nation, and continued the struggle the longest: until 1945. Under the banner of the Anti-Japanese National United Front, established through the initiative of the Chinese Communist Party, Chinese men and women bravely joined the fight, standing side by side. Through their combined efforts, which cost over 35 million lives, they defeated the Japanese militarists, playing a crucial role in the complete defeat of the Japanese invaders. This highlights the deep connection between the Chinese and Belarusian peoples, who supported each other throughout the struggle,” the Ambassador emphasised.

The diplomat recalled that during the war years, Chinese patriots established an underground organisation in Vitebsk to participate in the anti-fascist struggle. General Tang Duo, known as the ‘Chinese Falcon,’ took part in the air battles for the liberation of Minsk and was awarded the Order of Lenin. He also pointed out that Mao Anying, the eldest son of Chinese Chairman Mao Zedong, fought alongside the Belarusian people against fascist invaders. Mr. Wenchuan further highlighted the significant role of many Belarusian soldiers, who as part of the Red Army, took part in air battles against Japanese aggressors and in the liberation of north-eastern China.

The names of the Heroes of the Soviet Union, Aleksei Blagoveshchensky and Yevgeny Nikolaenko, are forever honoured in the memory of the Chinese people. The friendship between the peoples of Belarus and China, forged during the hard war years, has become an enduring source of brotherhood,” the Chinese Ambassador asserted.