During Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to China, the All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion (VTsIOM) published a survey on Russian-Chinese relations.
According to analysts, 72% of Russians today consider relations between Russia and China to be friendly, a record high. Another 14% view the relationship as calm, while 8% have a negative perception.
Experts attribute the increase in positive assessments to the strengthening partnership, alignment of geopolitical interests, and enhanced economic ties between Moscow and Beijing.
Russians’ personal attitudes towards Chinese people have also improved, with over 50% of respondents noting positive changes in the last decade.
In 2014, 74% of Russians believed that China could help alleviate the sanctions pressure on Russia. In May this year, 76% are convinced that China has managed to partially or completely replace the West as an economic partner.
Russians’ interest in Chinese culture includes language, art, and traditions (38%), the economy (18%), mentality (15%), history and religion (10%), and both domestic and foreign politics—9% and 4% respectively. However, 31% of respondents show no interest in Chinese culture.
The survey was conducted on May 4 via telephone interviews, with over 1,600 adult Russians participating.
Photo: kremlin.ru