Build trust between Chinese and Russians
- Source: Global Times
- [07:29 June 19 2009]
- Comments
Six decades after establishing diplomatic relations, China and Russia are moving into a new phase of strategic partnership and cooperation. But warm diplomatic exchanges can’t hide the fact that people-to-people exchange between the two countries remains rather problematic.
Memories of several bitter wars and prolonged border disputes cause Chinese and Russians to still see each other with distrust and sometimes even contempt.
Visionary politicians in both countries brought bilateral relations onto a normal track when the Cold War was about to end, and at the official level, China and Russia are now enjoying the smoothest progression in their relationship since the 17th century.
The two nations established the Strategic Partnership of Cooperation in 1996, and last year resolved all remaining border disputes. China and Russia also founded the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional security body, in 2001.
But distrust between the two peoples has been harder to eradicate. Despite its close proximity and attractive scenery, Russia is far from a favorite tourist destination for Chinese. And compared with the English-learning fever sweeping the nation, learning Russian as a second language is now an unpopular option among Chinese.
The situation is the same in Russia, where high taxes and administrative fees make it hard for Chinese to do business.
Many Chinese living in Russia are harassed by gangs of nationalistic skinheads. The so-called “China threat” also plays to a receptive audience in Russia.
Cordial official exchanges haven’t brought the same level of mutual trust and understanding between citizens of the two countries, who should benefit from the improving diplomatic relations and in turn move them forward.
Some efforts to build ties between citizens of the two countries have already been started.
China held a Year of Russia program in 2006 and Russia reciprocated by celebrating a Year of China in 2007; the year-long programs were meant to promote exchange in cultural, academic and business sectors.
The program was expanded to include a Russian language year in China – being celebrated this year – and a Chinese language year in Russia, which will be marked next year.
The programs were a good start, but it will take time and work to bring the two peoples, with their drastically different cultures, closer.
At heart, the relationship between China and Russia needs to be about fostering a friendship that lasts from generation to generation and erases hostility.
As two of the world’s most powerful countries, and neighbors, China and Russia have good reason to be friends.
If the person-to-person exchange between China and Russia can match such exchanges already being held between China and the US, Japan and South Korea, it will do much to bring stability and harmony to a geographical region accounting for one fifth of the entire world.