China-Russia survey shows widespread approval of cooperation

The results of the 2020 China-Russia public opinion survey have been released. The report shows the Chinese and Russian people recognize each other, and that the social foundation of Sino-Russian relations is more consolidated. Sino-Russian anti-epidemic cooperation is supported by the peoples of the two countries, which further promotes Sino-Russian relations.

In May, the China-Russia Friendship Committee for Peace and Development launched an online "China-Russia Public Opinion Survey 2020", covering 11 cities in China and Russia. Survey topics include the mutual understanding of the two peoples, the relationship between the two countries, the United States' and the Western countries’ stigmatization towards China and the evaluation of the effectiveness of Sino-Russian anti-epidemic cooperation.

Comparing the results of the 2018 opinion polls, the overall evaluation of the two countries on Sino-Russian relations has not changed much. Chinese respondents' non-negative evaluation of Russia reached 93.1 percent, and Russian’s evaluation reached 82.6 percent. Respondents from both countries gave positive comments on high-level exchanges, political mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation between two countries.

The survey shows the psychological distance and relative acceptance of the people of the two countries have changed more positively. The people of the two countries expressed clear support for the current status and future development of Sino-Russian relations. With the expansion of contacts and exchanges in politics, economy, commerce, culture, products and services, the people of both countries have gradually deepened their impressions and understanding of each other.

At the same time, the survey results show China-Russia cooperation in fighting COVID-19 is supported by the people of the two countries. The majority of respondents from the two countries expressed positive attitudes toward the positions and roles of China and Russia in multilateral cooperation against COVID-19.

In the survey, 51.1 to 90.5 percent of respondents supported the measures taken by the two countries to fight the epidemic, spoke highly of their positions and roles in international cooperation against the epidemic and looked forward to further strengthening cooperation in scientific research, communication on prevention and control of the pandemic, clinical experiences and exchange of anti-pandemic materials.

Since the outbreak, China and Russia have offered each other mutual assistance, joined hands to fight the epidemic and spoken out for each other. The two countries have resolutely resisted and fought back against the vicious attacks and willful denigration by certain countries for political purposes and have become an unbreakable bastion against the political virus.

According to the survey results, more than 90 percent of Chinese respondents and more than two-thirds of Russians expressed support for China when asked to evaluate the "labeling" and "stigmatization" of China's anti-epidemic efforts in some Western countries led by the United States. They believe "attributing the global spread of the epidemic to other countries is a way for politicians in some countries to shift targets and shirk their responsibilities." The data shows our two peoples have a sense of justice, empathy for threats and challenges, and support for each other.

In addition, the survey results also indicate cooperation in fighting COVID-19 has further promoted China-Russia relations. The overwhelming majority of respondents from both sides believe the epidemic will not have a negative impact on China-Russia relations. Chinese people are more positive and optimistic, with 91.9 percent of respondents believing there will be no negative impact and 75.6 percent of respondents believing there will be a positive impact. 53.3 percent and 45.1 percent of respondents in Russia held this position, respectively. The data reflects the effectiveness of China-Russia cooperation in fighting COVID-19, and the confidence it has created in the two peoples.