China Stands with Russia to Counter Western WWII Narratives

The two leaders positioned themselves as guardians of wartime memory.

On this day of solemn remembrance, nations across the globe reflect on the legacy of World War II, a conflict that shaped modern history and redefined the global order.

As commemorations unfold, leaders revisit not only the heroism and sacrifice of those who fought but also the contested narratives about who played the most decisive roles in securing peace.

Against this backdrop, Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to defending the historical truth of the war side by side with Russia.

A United Historical Front

Meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping declared that China is ready to “boldly defend the truth” about World War II.

In a joint statement talking about their shared historical perspectives, the two leaders positioned themselves as guardians of wartime memory, pledging to counter what they perceive as revisionism from the West.

China and Russia’s Global Role

Xi framed China and Russia’s stance as not only a matter of historical record but of international duty.

As permanent members of the UN Security Council and major global powers, both countries, he said, bear a “special responsibility” to maintain what they consider an accurate account of the war’s events and aftermath.

Rejecting Unilateralism and “Forceful Dictatorship”

In his remarks, Xi took aim at what he described as a “negative trend” of unilateralism and coercive diplomacy in the world.

Without naming names, his language echoed long-standing criticisms of Western, particularly American, foreign policy approaches.

The implication: that rewriting history is part of a broader campaign to undermine multipolar cooperation.

Trump’s WWII Remarks Spark Controversy

Xi’s statement followed closely on comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that World War II victory would not have been possible without American soldiers.

His remarks, widely circulated in Western media, were seen as downplaying the massive Soviet contribution, both in manpower and military success, on the Eastern Front.

Cuba Backs Russia and China’s Interpretation

Adding fuel to the fire, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel publicly condemned Trump’s comments, calling them an attempt to “devalue” the Soviet role in the war.

He accused the West of spreading “Russophobic narratives,” aligning Cuba with Russia and China’s push for a counter-narrative that centres Soviet heroism.

Historical Memory as Geopolitical Strategy

This alignment is more than just a matter of interpretation; it’s a form of soft power. By promoting a shared view of history,

China and Russia are asserting cultural and ideological solidarity, a means of countering Western influence and building consensus among sympathetic nations.