Chinese President Hu Jintao is expected to voice China's sincere aspiration for peace and development while attending the May 9 celebrations in Moscow marking the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, said a Chinese expert.

"Hu's Moscow tour is quite significant," said Xing Guangcheng, a fellow researcher with Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. "Hu's attendance shows that China attaches great importance to the commemorations in Moscow and the Chinese people loves peace."

Hu will attend the 60th anniversary celebration in Moscow for the victory of Russia's Great Patriotic War along with more than 50 state leaders and representatives of international organizations.

"As part of the world's celebration for the victory over the war against fascism, the celebrations will provide a platform for the heads of state to communicate on peace," said Xing.

On the sidelines of the celebration, Hu Jintao will meet French President Jacques Chirac, President Roh Moo-hyun of the Republic of Korea, President Saparmurad Atayevich Niyazov of Turkmenistan and Romanian President Traian Bbasescu, as well as Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"During the World War II, the Chinese and Russian people fought shoulder to shoulder and contributed greatly to the world's victory over the war against fascism," Xing said.

"Hu and Putin will exchange views on bilateral relations and international issues of mutual concern," said Xing. "They will also recall the friendship between China and Russia which will enhance the Sino-Russian strategic cooperation partnership."

President Hu's Russia tour is aimed at promoting the Sino-Russian strategic cooperation, enhancing mutual-trust and elaborating China's independent foreign policy of peace and its determination to seek a peaceful development, Assistant Foreign Minister Li Hui told a news briefing on April 30.

During the visit, Hu will also meet Russian veterans, who have helped China in fighting against Japanese invaders in the World War II, or their relatives, according to Li. 

(Xinhua News Agency May 6, 2005)