"We must not let the sacrifices of our ancestors fade into oblivion. Preserving historical truth is the foundation for building a peaceful future," said Alyosha (Liu Weining), the Russian-born grandson of Chinese revolutionary leader Liu Shaoqi, in his recent interview with GDToday, as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War and the global victory over fascism.
"The Soviet Union sacrificed 27 million lives, and China suffered 35 million in casualties. How can any family forget this colossal tragedy?" he reflects on the profound historical ties binding the two nations in the war. "We must pass down these stories through generations to prevent such atrocities from recurring."
Liu's earliest memory of his grandfather, Liu Shaoqi, remains unshakable."When I was five, a silver-haired gentleman entered the room. I immediately sensed his warmth and love for us children," he recalled. "He kissed me and gave me gifts—a familial warmth that has stayed with me my entire life."
Stories of the Ivanovo International Children's Home, where Liu's father and aunt endured wartime hardships, highlight resilience. "Children harvested potatoes, wrote to soldiers, and performed for the wounded. Those were exceptionally difficult days," he shared.
Liu's understanding of history evolved through fragmented family tales, as his mother spoke of China and his family, but it wasn't until he arrived here that he grasped the full context," he explained.
One iconic anecdote stands out: During a harsh Soviet winter, Liu Shaoqi gifted his fur hat to a shivering worker. "He gave it without hesitation. That act of compassion still defines his legacy."
Decades later, this connection deepened after Liu moved to China in his 40s, a journey he never anticipated. "I lived in the Soviet Union without a foreign passport, yet destiny brought me here. For 20 years, China has been my home, allowing me to truly understand my grandfather's legacy."
He stresses that Russia and China, bearing the war's heaviest tolls in WWII, must lead in preserving historical truth. "Our nations understand history's essence and assess it correctly. This is how we prevent tragedy."
Now, as a key member of the China Office at the Russian-Asian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, he has done much to pass on the torch of friendship between China and Russia.
As a bridge-builder, Liu's work spans decades. His organization, a non-profit platform, facilitates China-Russian projects, from logistics to healthcare. "We've attended every Canton Fair since 2005—137 sessions without absence," he notes. Recent initiatives focus on medical collaboration: "Russian scientists offer cutting-edge oncology research, while Chinese innovations in pharmaceuticals inspire mutual growth."
Liu also honors his grandfather's diplomatic legacy. "As the first president of the Sino-Soviet Friendship Association, he laid the groundwork. Our mission is to strengthen these bonds further."
Confident in bilateral ties, Liu envisions relentless progress. "When we meet next year, the so-called 'highest level' of relations will be surpassed again. This partnership will keep evolving," he asserts. For Liu, the torch of friendship, lit by shared history and sacrifice, burns brighter than ever.
Reporter: Guo Zedong
Script: Guo Zedong
Text: Guo Zedong
Video: Deng Yingheng
Poster: Lai Meiya
Editor: Yuan Zixiang, James, Shen He
