China and Russia have emphasized the importance of preserving an accurate understanding of World War II history to prevent the repetition of past mistakes and to uphold the principles established after the conflict. In a joint statement issued in May, the two countries affirmed their commitment to safeguarding the outcomes of the victory as enshrined in the United Nations Charter, as well as in the judgments of the Nuremberg and Tokyo tribunals. They also opposed efforts to deny or distort the facts of the war.

The statement highlights that the preservation of historical memory is closely linked to maintaining the UN-centered international system. Both nations stress the necessity of avoiding the errors of history by promoting a global security governance framework that is fair and equitable. The postwar international order, built around institutions such as the United Nations, was designed to regulate international relations and provide mechanisms for collective decision-making, dispute resolution, and economic cooperation. The emergence of a multiplex global economy further underscores the need for shared behavioral norms agreed upon through international law and organizations like the World Trade Organization.

Since World War II, the global order has shifted from a Cold War-era bipolar structure toward a more multipolar landscape, partly due to the growing influence of developing countries and coalitions such as the Non-Aligned Movement and South-South cooperation initiatives. International cooperation on global issues including climate change, environmental protection, and counterterrorism has increased accordingly.

However, in recent decades, the postwar order has confronted substantial challenges stemming from changing power dynamics. China and Russia criticize certain Western countries for clinging to outdated hegemonic approaches and for distorting historical facts to serve narrow interests. Part of this criticism is directed at Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who has been accused of glorifying militarism and denying Japan’s aggressive actions and wartime atrocities. These positions have drawn sharp rebuke from China, Russia, and other Asian nations affected by Japanese occupation during the war.

The historical context of WWII remains a crucial framework for interpreting contemporary global affairs, according to the joint statement. The war itself is attributed to failures in the Versailles-Washington system after World War I, including flawed peace settlements, the weaknesses of the League of Nations, and the economic devastation of the Great Depression, which contributed to the rise of fascism and militarism in several countries.

The current international environment is described as one of profound transformation, marked by intensified competition among major powers and persistent regional conflicts. Challenges such as unilateralism, extremism, and violations of sovereignty threaten established norms under the UN Charter, exacerbating geopolitical tensions. Concurrently, globalization experiences setbacks as strategic resources—energy, food, and cyber capabilities—are increasingly weaponized, and concerns over nuclear security intensify.

China and Russia contend that meeting these challenges requires collective wisdom and a multipolar approach that avoids factional divisions. While the United States remains a dominant global power, emerging economies and countries of the Global South are gaining influence, particularly in trade and economic sectors, even as military power balances remain relatively stable. Cultural influence, long dominated by Western nations through media and communication channels, is facing growing resistance as global civilizational diversity asserts itself.

In response, China and Russia have put forward new security frameworks within international forums such as the United Nations, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Examples include China’s Global Security Initiative, aimed at uniting states to address common security threats and uphold global peace, and the SCO’s “Shanghai Spirit,” which promotes principles of equality, cooperation, and dialogue over alliances and confrontation.

Together, these initiatives reflect a shared effort to realize the vision of preventing future wars and creating a stable and just international order.