RUSSIA AND CHINA: THE PERCEPTION OF EACH OTHER AND THE PROSPECTS FOR COOPERATION

Russia and China are entering a new era of bilateral relations. The optimal model of
these relations has not yet acquired distinct outlines. An important role in its formation is
played by so-called «soft» factors – views, opinions and preferences – that determine the
decisions and behavior of people. This article is devoted to an analysis of how the interacting
parties see each other, how much their ideas on goals, optimal strategies and desirable
results of cooperative interactions coincide. All this allows us to more adequately assess the
current state of affairs and prospects for Russia-Chinа cooperation.