As Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in Moscow on Wednesday for a landmark state visit and the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War victory, young voices across Russia are buzzing with expectations. Among them is Philip Raev, a recent political science graduate from Saint Petersburg State University, who offers a fresh Gen Z take on where China-Russia ties are heading.
"In the past few years, academic exchanges have become a cornerstone of our partnership," says Raev. He points to joint research programs, scholarship initiatives, and student forums that have connected universities from both sides. "With President Xi's visit, I believe these collaborations will gain even more momentum, opening doors for joint conferences, exchange scholarships, and cross-border projects."
Raev notes that young entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts are watching closely. Many hope academic collaboration will spill over into innovation hubs, driving new AI and renewable energy projects. "As a young professional, I see endless possibilities when Russian and Chinese researchers team up on real-world challenges," he adds.
The visit also coincides with cultural festivals and business forums designed to strengthen people-to-people links. From art exhibitions in Moscow to tech incubators in Beijing, these events are shaping a more interconnected landscape for students, travelers, and digital nomads alike.
For thought leaders and changemakers, deeper academic cooperation signals a potential shift towards sustainable development and policy dialogues on global issues. "We're not just studying abroad," says Raev. "We're co-creating solutions for climate action, public health, and digital governance."
As President Xi's Moscow schedule unfolds, all eyes will be on new agreements and announcements that could set the tone for the next decade of Sino-Russian partnership—and for the Russian Gen Z generation Philip represents, it's a moment full of promise.
Reference(s):
We Talk: Future expectations for China-Russia ties from Russian Gen Z
cgtn.com
