At the end of 2015, a three-member delegation of young scholars from Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund (AGPDF) visited Beijing and Tianjin from December 7 to 11 at the invitation of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU).

 

AGPDF is a friend that CAFIU made during its working group’s visit to Russia in 2014. Since then, we have maintained frequent exchanges. Their visit was welcomed warmly by CAFIU. Secretary-General Ni Jian met the delegation and exchanged ideas on the cooperation between the two organizations. The delegation participated in a public lecture on NGO issue, and shared thoughts with CAFIU colleagues on the bilateral relations, buildup of soft power and NGO management. Although it’s the first time that we had met, we felt they were no strangers to us. We could speak freely and talk things through.

 

Two of the three members had once studied in China. As a result, they have deep understanding of the bilateral relations. They stated that under the strong guidance of leaderships of both countries, the two countries enjoy strong political trust and close economic and military cooperation. The bilateral relations have entered an unprecedented honeymoon period. In particular, the year 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the world anti-fascist war. We have organized a series of celebrations and the heads of both countries participated in celebration events and other commemorative activities held by each other. As two main battlefields in the World War II, China and Russia had made great sacrifices and contributions to the victory of the world anti-fascist war. These commemorative events released an important signal of the determination of the two countries to remember history, oppose war and safeguard peace. Further, it constitutes a powerful counterattack to new Nazism forces including Japanese militarism. Besides it narrows down the distance between Chinese and Russian people and increases their sentiment toward each other.

Anastasiia Piatachkova from Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies tells us that in recent years, with the rise of the international influence of China and fast development of the Russia-China relations, the overall sentiments of Russian people toward China improve and they are increasingly keen to learn about China and the Chinese language. National Research University-Higher School of Economics where she works has conducted inter-college students exchange programs in summer with Chinese counterparts for six consecutive years. These events increase the mutual understanding and friendship and reserve talents for the long-term development of the bilateral relations. Since last year, AGPDF has attached more importance to developing relations with China and other Asian countries, and promoted people-to-people and cultural exchanges as well as educational exchanges, young students in particular, trying to consolidate the public opinion and social foundation for the development of the bilateral relations.

During its stay in China, the delegation called on the Chahar Institute, Tianjin Academy of Social Sciences and Tianjin Administrative Institute, visited Sun Life Everbright Life Insurance Ltd, INNO Way, Tianjin Museum and Tianjin Planning Exhibition Hall. They have deepened understanding of China’s economic and social development and forged new friendship through these events.

At the Chahar Institute, the delegation listened to briefing on China’s foreign policy and exchanged ideas on the integration and cooperation of policies of both countries in the context of “One Belt One Road” initiative. They noted that “One Belt One Road” initiative is not in contradiction with the Eurasia Economic Union. As the first stop of the westward opening of the Silk Road Economic Belt, the Central Asian countries play an irreplaceable role. However, what’s worrisome is the security situation there and some of the countries are in political turbulences, which might pose certain challenges to and put risks at certain countries. They believe that by integrating and coordinating with regional organizations like Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Eurasia Economic Union, it will create a security environment peaceful and stable for the building of the Silk Road Economic Belt, which will also be helpful for the long-term economic development of Russia, China and countries along the Belt.

At Tianjin Academy of Social Sciences and Tianjin Administrative Institute, they had discussed with the host on the possibility of academic exchange and cooperation and exchanged ideas on regional situation and cooperation. They showed the confidence in deepened China-Russia relations and win-win cooperation.

At the INNO Way, the delegation paid a visit to innovation incubator enterprise like 3W coffee and INNO Way service institution. The immense environment of entrepreneurship and unique innovation incubator model left them a deep impression. Pavel Prilepskii said the innovation business models of enterprise are in line with the trend of technology development in the world and is of great potential. Although INNO Way has been put into use for a short while and did not have many enterprises stationed, the support given by the Chinese Government to the young people is evident and is worth learning by countries including Russia. So far, there is no such program in Russia. We hope that Russia could draw on China’s experience and extend support for innovation and business start-ups.

During the delegation’s stay in China, Beijing and Tianjin happened to be struck by smog. Anastasiia Piatachkova advised China to learn from other countries and put on strength on environment management. She said countries like UK and USA have promulgated Clean Air Act to declare war against air pollution and put more emphasis on renovation of electricity, heating system, relocation of factories and upgrading industry. After decades of effort, clean air once again comes about. She believed the UN Climate Change Conference held in Paris will reach global consensus and compel every country to implement stricter carbon emission policy. The Chinese Government should also take more effective environment protection measures to restore clean air for people in Beijing and Tianjin.