Amid the intensification of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russian President Putin paid a state visit to China on May 16th to 17th. In addition to Beijing, Putin also visited Harbin. However, according to local sources, schools in Harbin have issued a “no-speech order” to students.
On May 16th, Russian President Putin arrived in Beijing. According to reports from Russian news agency, in addition to Beijing, Putin visited Harbin and attended the opening ceremony of the 8th China-Russia Expo and the 4th China-Russia Local Cooperation Forum. He also visited Harbin Institute of Technology and interacted with faculty and students.
The report stated that Dmitry Dakhnovsky, Russia’s commercial representative in China, mentioned earlier that the 4th China-Russia Local Cooperation Forum is a key event during the expo and is scheduled for May 17th. Delegations from 25 Russian provinces have confirmed their participation, with 17 provincial governors attending.
As the Russia-Ukraine conflict becomes a protracted war of attrition, tensions between Russia and the West are escalating. Faced with Western sanctions, Russia is increasingly relying on China economically and diplomatically. Putin’s visit to China is seen by many as seeking comprehensive support from China.
During Putin’s visit to Harbin, apart from hosting the 8th China-Russia Expo, the city also held the 33rd Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair, known as “Harbin Fair”.
However, according to revelations from locals in Harbin, schools have issued a “no-speech order”.
A resident of Harbin disclosed that local schools recently sent out notices through WeChat groups, instructing parents to advise their children to be mindful of their speech and to refrain from posting any sensitive terms (including anything related to “Harbin Fair” or names of individuals) on social media platforms or in group chats. The notice emphasized strict management of online security and the importance of not crossing legal boundaries.
It is worth noting that on May 17th, Putin will also lay a wreath at the “Soviet Red Army Heroes Monument” in Harbin.
According to the Sanxiang Metropolitan News report on the 15th, in preparation for Putin’s visit, the Harbin authorities have renovated the “Soviet Red Army Heroes Monument”.
Public records indicate that the “Soviet Red Army Heroes Monument” in Harbin was built by the Soviet Union in commemoration of the Soviet Army’s invasion of Northeast China in August 1945. During the Soviet Army’s presence in Northeast China, the looting of factory equipment led to an economic crisis, and the atrocities of robbery and rape instilled fear among the local population, creating a negative impact. The Soviet Army’s transfer of control over the Northeast region to the CCP marked a turning point in the CCP’s seizure of power during the Chinese Civil War.