A recently survey on China-Russia youth friendship and cultural exchanges showed positive perceptions of bilateral relations among younger generations.

The survey, conducted by the Chinese and Russian sides of the Council of Education under the China-Russia Committee for Friendship, Peace and Development, covered people aged 18-35 in both countries. More than 80% of respondents described China-Russia relations as friendly.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun called the survey "a true barometer of public opinion in China and Russia". that reflects the high level of bilateral relations and the hope for greater exchanges among young people.

For many young people, cultural exchange is increasingly taking place online. Artem Usov, a Russian vlogger living in China, is among those helping strengthen mutual understanding through digital platforms.

Usov arrived in China in 2012 to pursue a bachelor's degree in business administration at Donghua University in Shanghai. Having lived in China for more than 12 years, he now resides in Jilin city, northeast China's Jilin province. He is also engaged to a Chinese fiancee.

"It's the mix of things actually that keeps me here — overall quality of life, convenience, safety and business opportunities, to name a few," he said.

Usov creates entertaining videos introducing Russian culture, while also producing lifestyle and travel vlogs across China for Russian audiences.

"It was actually during the COVID pandemic that I started making videos — just to entertain myself while at home," he said. "But suddenly I would get many views and I just kept going ever since."

Today, Usov has accumulated more than 1.5 million followers across all platforms, including Douyin, Bilibili, Xiaohongshu and YouTube.

Through his content, Usov hopes to help Russian audiences better understand Chinese culture, history and cuisine, while introducing Chinese viewers to Russian language and customs.

"For example, I just made a video about how in Russia it's taboo to shake hands in a doorway," he said.

He has also noticed growing curiosity among Chinese people about Russia.

"Chinese people are more interested in Russian products lately," Usov said. "A lot of people, they ask me about Russian chocolates or other sweets. Also, more and more Chinese people [are] interested in traveling to Russia."

This grassroots curiosity aligns with broader diplomatic momentum. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a state visit to China from May 19-20, marking his 25th visit to the country.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation.

Ahead of his state visit, President Putin said in a video address on Tuesday that Russia and China are actively expanding their contacts in politics, the economy and other fields, while broadening humanitarian exchanges and encouraging person-to-person interaction.

Looking ahead, Usov believes tourism and education as areas with particularly strong potential for future cooperation. With the mutual visa-free policy, he expects that more Russian people will travel to China. He also noted that many universities now have exchange programs allowing students to study in both countries: "I think that's very important to develop this kind of programs for users to exchange knowledge and achieve better education."