China Sees Rise in Russian Language Interest
In China, interest in the Russian language is growing, with 185 universities offering it as a major and over 400 providing it as a general subject. In Russia, a deputy proposed introducing mandatory Chinese language lessons in all schools starting from the fifth grade.
Consensus
- Interest in the Russian language is increasing in China.
- 185 universities in China offer Russian language as a major.
- Over 400 universities in China offer Russian language as an educational subject.
- More than 300 schools in China include Russian language in their curriculum.
- In Russia, the number of people studying Chinese exceeds 100,000.
- Over 360 universities, schools, and Confucius Institutes in Russia offer Chinese language education.
- The Second Russia-China Forum is taking place in Khabarovsk from September 4 to 6.
- Russia and China are expanding student exchange programs.
Points of divergence
- A Russian deputy proposed introducing mandatory Chinese language lessons in all Russian schools starting from the fifth grade. — m24
- The deputy stated that only slightly over 47,000 students in Russia currently study Chinese, calling it 'a drop in the ocean' given the strategic level of Russia-China cooperation. — m24
- The deputy called for a federal program to gradually implement Chinese as a second mandatory foreign language and to create a federal reserve of teachers. — m24
- The deputy emphasized the need for textbooks and digital resources, suggesting using cooperation with China as a model. — m24
- The deputy suggested that in a second phase, students could choose between Chinese and other Eastern languages. — m24
- The deputy stated that Chinese is a key to future careers, new markets, and technological leadership. — m24
- The Ministry of Education previously stated that mandatory study of a second foreign language in senior high school is not provided. — m24
- The Ministry of Education clarified that second foreign language study is optional and depends on school availability and student request. — m24
Coverage (3 sources)
- In China, the popularity of the Russian language is noted — Вести
- In the State Duma, it was proposed to introduce another mandatory subject in schools — Вести
- In the State Duma, it was proposed to introduce Chinese language lessons in all schools of the Russian Federation — Москва 24