China-Russia Cooperation: Two sides eye deeper cooperation in education, scientific research and people-to-people exchanges

Source: CGTN

Update: Mar 19th, 2026, 10:04 PM

EVGENIYA STRYGINA CGTN "The China-Russia Education and Economic Dialogue is a platform for multilateral cooperation, bringing together leading scholars, experts, diplomats, and entrepreneurs from both nations."

The session also marked the 15th China-Russia Economic Dialogue, with a focus on deepening educational ties. Following the launch of the 2026–2027 "China-Russia Years of Education," scientific and academic cooperation has entered a new phase. A delegation led by Zhang Donggang, Party secretary of Renmin University of China, attended the event, marking the first university delegation to visit Russia since the launch of the bilateral education-themed years.

ZHANG DONGGANG Party secretary Renmin University of China "Let economic cooperation drive forward our development, and let educational dialogue strengthen the humanistic, cultural, youth, and future foundations for economic growth. Together, we can inject strong momentum into the future of both our countries."

Renmin University of China plans to work with top Russian institutions to promote joint talent training and academic exchange. A series of cooperation initiatives have been proposed.

WANG WEN Dean, Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies Renmin University of China "I think we need more and more student exchange. For China side, we need more and more Russian students to study in China, so that's why I come here. Second point is that we need to push more and more academy education, especially the think-tank level, the economic study level."

Both China and Russia prioritize education as a national strategy, focusing on quality and integrating modern technology. As the world undergoes digital and intellectual transformation, Russian representatives highlighted the need to explore future-oriented educational innovations together.

DMITRY MITYAEV Associate Professor, School of Public Administration Lomonosov Moscow State University "We share many common interests. The high-tech fields China is advancing are also Russia's priorities – like AI, quantum computing, and robotics."

Currently, over 20,000 Russian students are studying in China, while more than 50,000 Chinese students are in Russia. Interest in each other's educational programs continues to grow as cooperation deepens.

OLEG SMOLIN Academician, Russian Academy of Education "We've added Chinese to our national exams, so we're seeing more students take the test every year. More and more Russian students want to study in China. And right now, Chinese students are the largest group from outside the CIS studying in Russian universities."

Experts state that bilateral cooperation in science and education is at an unprecedentedly high level. The "Education Years" will not only deepen cooperation across various fields but also advance the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.