• Polls show that over the past two or three decades, the image of China in Russian public opinion has undergone significant changes, as the country itself has changed greatly during this time. Twenty years ago, only a fifth of Russians believed that China could be counted among the "great powers," today two-thirds of respondents think so (in total, Russians see three great powers in the world: Russia, China, and the United States). Most often, China is counted among the great countries in the Far East—three-quarters of respondents, since it is there that the majority have direct experience of this country. 
• The first associations that come to mind for an ordinary [Russian] person when they hear the words China [when asked by Levada] are mostly positive or neutral. One of the main ones is the Great Wall of China. Most often, respondents say that it is a large country with a huge population. A quarter of all associations are related to Chinese goods—telephones, cars, household appliances… A large proportion of responses contain references to the high level of development of the economy, industry and technology. 

What countries do Russians consider to be great powers

• In 2014, the number of Russians who perceive China as a friendly country doubled—from 20 to 40%, positive assessments increased from 55 to 77%. Similar dynamics were observed after February 2022: a positive attitude towards China reached a record 92%, the perception of the country as friendly—65%. Positive attitudes towards China prevail in all socio-demographic groups and at all ages. The youngest respondents and residents of the Far East, where interaction between the countries is most active, have the most positive attitude towards it… Today, China is largely perceived by Russian public opinion as a counterweight to the West, anti-American.

Countries, which Russians believe to be friendliest to Russia

• The current Russian-Chinese alliance is perceived by many as forced, imposed by external circumstances, and more advantageous to China. This state of affairs causes discomfort and fear of excessive dependence on a stronger and richer neighbor. Against the backdrop of these fears, normalization of relations with the United States and Europe seems to many to be a desirable scenario that will help balance China's influence. In the long term, this may mean a more reserved attitude toward China in Russia.

Read the full article at the Levada Center website.

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author. Photo by Ekaterina Shtukina, Sputnik Pool Photo via AP.