• President Xi Jinping calls for U.S.-China cooperation to safeguard WWII outcomes during 80th anniversary commemorations
  • The appeal comes alongside strengthened China-Russia ties and military displays showcasing new capabilities
  • Historical narrative remains central to Beijing's geopolitical positioning as tensions persist over Taiwan and regional security

President Xi Jinping has called for China and the United States to jointly protect the victorious outcomes of World War II, according to people familiar with diplomatic communications, even as Beijing deepens its strategic partnership with Moscow. The appeal comes during a series of high-profile events marking the 80th anniversary of the war's conclusion and the founding of the United Nations.

Xi's push for cooperation represents a nuanced diplomatic approach amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing. During recent commemorative activities, the Chinese leader emphasized that "the establishment of an international system with the United Nations at its core is not easy at all, and must be firmly maintained by all countries of the world." This framing appears aimed at positioning China as a defender of multilateral institutions while advancing its strategic interests.

The outreach to Washington occurs alongside significant military demonstrations. Last month's parade in Beijing featured new nuclear-capable missiles launchable from land, air, and sea, alongside weapons systems with potential applications in Taiwan scenarios. Defense analysts noted the display included hypersonic antiship missiles and advanced combat drones, though Chinese officials described the event as purely commemorative.

Efforts to reach the U.S. State Department for comment on Xi's proposal were unsuccessful. A spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, when contacted about the matter, reiterated that "safeguarding the postwar international order remains a shared responsibility of all victorious nations."

Observers note the delicate balancing act in China's messaging. While reaching out to the United States, Xi has simultaneously strengthened ties with Russia, hosting President Vladimir Putin at September's military parade. During his May visit to Moscow, Xi stated that "China and Russia will work together to safeguard the victorious outcome of WWII," framing the two nations as "the principal theaters of that war in Asia and Europe respectively."

The historical narrative remains particularly sensitive regarding Taiwan, with Chinese state media recently asserting that the island's "return" to China represented among the "fruits of victory in WWII" and an "important component of the postwar international order." This positioning comes as cross-strait tensions continue to influence regional security calculations.

Market participants are watching for any signs that reduced U.S.-China friction could ease trade pressures, though most analysts remain skeptical that Xi's historical framing will translate into substantive policy shifts. The appeal to jointly protect WWII outcomes appears primarily diplomatic rather than signaling imminent changes in economic or security postures.