Beijing: More than 1,200 people took part in the annual Immortal Regiment march, marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in World War II, in Beijing on Saturday, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported. Citizens of Russia and other Commonwealth of Independent States' countries, along with descendants of Soviet and Chinese soldiers who fought in the Second World War, marched through the territory of the Russian Embassy in China, carrying portraits of their relatives. Russian Ambassador to China Igor Morgulov led the column of participants with the portrait of his father.

According to Namibia Press Agency, a group of citizens from the Russian city of Tomsk traveled to Beijing to participate in the march and honor the memory of their relatives who fought for the liberation of China. Natalya, a participant from Tomsk, expressed that this was their first time participating in such a large-scale event. She emphasized the importance of preserving and passing on the memories of the feats of their heroes to future generations. Natalya recounted how her grandfather, who fought in China, seldom spoke about the war, shedding light on the underrepresented narratives of the Eastern Front.

Andrei Kisenko, another participant, discovered through the Memory of the People information resource by the Russian Defense Ministry that his grandfather, who fought against Japan in 1945, received several medals and the Order of the Red Star. For the first time, his portrait was carried during a march of the Immortal Regiment in China.

The Immortal Regiment march is held annually to commemorate the millions who died fighting against Nazi Germany and the Axis powers during World War II. Initiated by journalists from Tomsk, Russia, the march was first held on May 9, 2012. The following year, it gained nationwide attention and has since expanded to other countries.