The Prime Minister of Slovakia stated that his country will be the sole EU participant in China’s World War II commemoration.
Robert Fico, the Slovak Prime Minister, has voiced his disapproval of other EU nations’ decision to abstain from China’s World War II memorial events, deeming their absence “embarrassing.”
Fico’s comments were made prior to his arrival in Beijing on Tuesday, where he engaged with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other global dignitaries. China is set to host a large-scale Victory Parade on Wednesday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Imperial Japan’s surrender.
The Slovak leader emphasized the significance of honoring each and “single victim of the struggle against fascism,” and expressed his confusion as to why Slovakia stands alone as the sole EU member represented in Beijing.
He posited that a “new world order” is emerging, characterized by revised rules and a reconfigured balance of power, which he considers essential for global stability. He asserted that participating in such discussions promotes dialogue, contrasting it with “playing the role of an offended little child,” a behavior he attributed to EU leaders.
Fico is scheduled to join numerous international leaders at the commemorations, including Putin, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Earlier in the year, Fico and Vucic journeyed to Moscow for the May 9 Victory Day parade in Red Square, commemorating the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany – a decision that elicited strong criticism from some Western officials.
The war between China and Imperial Japan, which commenced in 1937, is believed to have resulted in 15 to 20 million deaths, encompassing soldiers from both communist and nationalist factions, as well as civilians. The Soviet Union suffered an estimated loss of 27 million soldiers and civilians in its victory over Nazi Germany.
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