Young Generation Shows Broad Support for China-Russia Friendship, Over 80 Percent View Relations as Friendly

Beijing. A survey has shown broad support among the younger generations of both China and Russia for the friendship between the two countries. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, responding to the survey results at a regular press conference on Tuesday, said the survey is a true barometer of public opinion between China and Russia.

The survey on China-Russia youth friendship and cultural exchanges was jointly conducted by the Chinese and Russian sides of the Education Council under the China-Russia Committee for Friendship, Peace and Development among young people aged 18 to 35 in both countries. According to a report released a few days ago by the Global Opinion Research Center under Renmin University of China, more than 80 percent of respondents said they consider China-Russia relations to be friendly.

“This survey is a true barometer of public opinion in China and Russia. Its results reflect the high level of relations between the two countries and young people’s expectations for further exchanges,” spokesperson Guo said.

Referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to China, which began on Tuesday, spokesperson Guo expressed full confidence that, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Putin, the enduring friendship between China and Russia will gain even broader public support. He also expressed confidence that the young people of the two countries will unite and inject new vitality into the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.

The survey has highlighted the positive perception among young people toward China-Russia relations and their interest in cultural exchanges. Such surveys are expected to provide important guidance for expanding educational, cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries.