Some walk hand in hand, while others are trapped in disputes.
Recently, a comparison image has sparked widespread discussion.
The upper half of the image was taken on the day of the grand ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing. Before the ceremony began, Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with other foreign leaders, ascended Tian'anmen Gate Tower together. Their united stance and harmonious atmosphere reflected the theme of the V-Day parade: "Remember history, honor the martyrs, cherish peace, and build the future."
The lower half of the image, however, was taken on Aug. 18 local time. European leaders were invited to Washington to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump. During the meeting, Zelensky and the European leaders humbled themselves, making it a priority to thank Trump in an effort to prevent Trump from siding with Russia on the Ukraine issue. Yet, significant differences remained between the US and Ukraine-Europe on three core issues: ceasefire, security guarantees, and territorial disputes.
These two images form a stark contrast. On one side, there is a shared resolve to safeguard peace; on the other, peace struggles amidst difficulties.
This contrast is not just a visual impact but also a reflection of differing values. The image has gone viral precisely because it allows people to see at a glance: in a turbulent world, true friends are those willing to stand by your side to safeguard peace and build a shared future, not those mired in arguments and disagreements, unable to reach a consensus.
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