CCP school officials in Harbin issue a ‘gag order’ on students to avoid mentioning sensitive words about Russia during Vladimir Putin’s visit. The officials warned against discussing certain topics related to Russia and emphasized the importance of internet security. This move comes as Putin visited an Orthodox Church and the Harbin Institute of Technology, both built during imperial Russia’s influence in the region. The history of Harbin’s development by Russian architects and the city’s complex relationship with Russia, including the occupation by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II, adds further context to the situation. Putin’s visit to China is seen as an attempt to strengthen economic, diplomatic, and military ties with the Chinese Communist Party, amidst ongoing conflicts with the West and the Russo-Ukrainian war. The significance of Putin’s homage to the Soviet past in China, including laying flowers at a monument to Soviet soldiers, reflects a historical legacy that continues to impact the region.
Despite this, the CCP not only failed to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but actually became the primary provider for the Russian military.
Li Jing, Ning Haizhong, and Luo Ya contributed to this report.
