«Chinese factor» in the system of education of Russian Orientalists and diplomats

The article considers several aspects of formation of Russian orientalists - Japan and China specialists - during pre-revolutionary period. The peculiarity of Russian-Chinese relationship lied in the absence of «war precedent»: unlike most modern state borders, the boarder between Russia and China was not formed as a result of military operations, but was created by means of negotiations and due to certain diplomatic efforts from both sides. This situation has always made human factor invaluable, and it still is. It embraces human resources policy and education of comprehensive specialists able to turn from scientists into diplomats, and from diplomats into teachers, or journalists, as well as to combine several different functions in their professional activity.