China, Russia youth survey shows strong mutual goodwill, optimism about ties

A new survey has found that more than 80 percent of young people in China and Russia view relations between the two countries as friendly, underscoring what researchers describe as a solid public-opinion foundation for long-term ties.

The findings, released at an event recently at Renmin University of China, showed that 87.5 percent of Russian youth and 85.5 percent of Chinese youth see China-Russia relations as friendly.

The report said young people in both countries generally hold positive views of bilateral ties, favorable perceptions of each other's national image and broad optimism about future cooperation. It added that friendship and cooperation have become the prevailing understanding of China-Russia relations among youth in both countries.

According to the survey, 78 percent of Russian youth and 76.4 percent of Chinese youth have a positive impression of the other country. On prospects for cooperation, 77.7 percent of Russian respondents and 73.7 percent of Chinese respondents said they are optimistic.

The report also found strong cultural interest. Russian youth expressed particular interest in Chinese traditions, festivals, cuisine and architecture, while Chinese youth focused on Russian architecture, literature and music. On language learning, 75.5 percent of Chinese youth and 52.8 percent of Russian youth said they are willing to learn or improve proficiency in the other country's language.

Interest in travel was also high. About 89 percent of Russian youth said they would like to visit China in the future, while about 86 percent of Chinese youth said they would like to visit Russia.

However, the report noted that direct exchanges still have room to grow. Some 72.9 percent of Russian youth and 53.8 percent of Chinese youth said they do not have friends, acquaintances or classmates from the other country. It called for expanding student exchange programs, joint cultural activities and youth visits, as well as improving travel and visa facilitation, so more young people can deepen understanding through face-to-face exchanges.

Zhou Yong, director of the Global Opinion Research Center at the university and dean of its School of Journalism and Communication, said: "Young people are an important force in sustaining China-Russia friendship from generation to generation. Promoting mutual understanding and closer ties among young people, and strengthening educational and cultural exchanges, are of great significance for consolidating the social and public-opinion foundation of relations between the two countries."

The survey was jointly conducted by the Chinese and Russian sides of the Council of Education under the China-Russia Friendship Committee for Peace and Development on the occasion of the launch of the "China-Russia Year of Education". It was carried out from late April to early May 2026 by the Global Opinion Research Center at Renmin University of China and a Russian partner organization, using an online survey of young people aged 18 to 35 in China and Russia.

Nik Gu, a master's student at Tsinghua University who moved to China with his family years ago, said most Russian and Chinese students hold positive views of bilateral ties.

"The foundation of this friendship is the development of Sino-Russian relations in recent years — the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, visa-free policies, and increasing flight routes," Gu said.

He noted a growing "Chinese language fever" in Russia since Chinese was included in Russia's national college entrance exam system a few years ago. He also said some Russian students who previously studied in Europe or the United States are now choosing China for further education as Chinese universities rise in global rankings.

Iuliia Buzakova, a first-year master's student at Renmin University of China, said after years of studying in China, she considers it "her second home".

"I can see the development of bilateral relations with my own eyes. China and Russia are providing more opportunities and platforms for young people," she said. "Even when I leave for a short trip, I miss it here."

Buzakova also highlighted the role of digital platforms such as Douyin, WeChat and Xiaohongshu in bringing the two countries closer. "Through these platforms, Russians can see daily life, urban development, and the real, youthful, vibrant side of China," she said. She runs her own social media accounts sharing Chinese culture and her life in China.