Chinese, Russian FMs talk over Volgograd blasts, Abe's shrine visit

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, held a phone conversation Monday to exchange views on the serial blasts in Volgograd and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine. Wang strongly denounced the terrorist attacks in Russia's Volgograd, saying that China supports the measures taken by Russia to safeguard national security and stability. Lavrov expressed gratitude to the Chinese side, stressing that Russia is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in the fight against terrorism. On Japanese Prime Minister Abe's visit to the Yasukuni Shrine, which enshrines Class-A war criminals of WWII, Wang said Abe's move must prompt high alert of all peace-loving nations in the world. China and Russia, as victorious countries of the world war against Fascism and as permanent members of the UN Security Council, should jointly maintain international justice and post-war order, Wang said. Lavrov said Russia holds completely identical stance with China on the Yasukuni Shrine issue. Russia opposes Abe's visit to the shrine, deeming it provocation to its Asian neighbors, Lavrov said. Abe's visit shows that Japan is unwilling to objectively face up to its past and is trying to whitewash its militaristic history of aggression and colonial rule, he said. The Russian side is dissatisfied with Japan's attitude toward the outcomes of Wold War II, he said. Lavrov urged Japan to correct its erroneous historical view and avert further moves that will hurt the feelings of the victims of Japanese aggression in various countries and that will intensify regional tension. He said Russia is ready to work with China to safeguard regional security and stability. The two foreign ministers also exchanged New Year greetings, vowing to enhance communication, exchanges and cooperation in 2014 and jointly promote the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level.