Journal of Eutopia Art and Culture

‘Soft Cooperation’: The Necessity of Strengthening Cultural Cooperation between Russia and China

Ziheng Wang

Queen’s University Belfast

ABSTRACT

This article examines the growing but still underdeveloped role of cultural cooperation in Sino-Russian relations, arguing that such cooperation is essential for deepening political trust and enhancing economic collaboration. While political and economic ties between China and Russia remain robust, cultural exchange continues to be relatively limited. The article explores how greater mutual understanding through cultural initiatives can help break down barriers, increase public engagement, and complement broader strategic objectives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and Eurasian partnerships. It also assesses current efforts and future prospects for fostering meaningful people-to-people and institutional exchanges between the two countries.

Keywords

Sino-Russian relations; cultural cooperation; Belt and Road Initiative; economic collaboration; diplomacy

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