Interpretation of the image of Russia in China and strengthening the relations between these countries by teaching the Russian language in Heilongjiang province

The study interprets the image of Russia in the context of teaching Russian in educational institutions of Heilongjiang Province as an inherent element of cultural relations between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China. Without addressing the educational process and the relevant theoretical teaching issues, the author attempts to identify the strengths and weaknesses of this segment of the northeastern Chinese education system to maintain the interest of the Chinese population in the Russian language as an important part of Russian culture. The method and methodology of the research are predetermined by its purpose and the distinctiveness of the material under study. The research is based on the analytical perception of sources that clarify the phenomena of image and culture of Russia in Heilongjiang Province, the literary works of Russian émigrés in the city of Harbin, the Russian language teaching practices in educational institutions as well as literary and cultural historical methods and a comparative historical analysis. Because of the regional tradition, Heilongjiang Province, which is a peripheral part of Northeast China and an immediate neighbor of Russia, still broadcasts the image of Russia and remains the major transit zone of cross-cultural interaction between the two countries. In conclusion, it is stated that the interest in culture and image of Russia in Heilongjiang Province is also sustained by the relevance of the Russian language in the PRC and the increasing number of students who want to learn this language in Chinese educational institutions listed in the study. The teaching system of the Russian language in Chinese universities is steadily improving and requiring the involvement of more Russian philologists. The cross-border cooperation between Russia and China facilitates the mobilization and effective use of local resources to improve the living standards of the population of the border areas, in particular while learning the Russian language. The development of this cross-border cooperation leads to a better quality of life of Heilongjiang Province residents.