Spreading Chinese Language in Russia as an Instrument of PRC’s Soft Power

First, at present the role of "soft power" and the principles of the theory of neo-liberalism in international relations is growing. The end of the XX-beginning of the XXI century is an era of globalization and integration of economies, intercountry cooperation, the active work of international organizations and their inclusion in the system of international relations. "Soft power" is an important component of the country's foreign policy. In contrast to the "hard power", the instrument of which is military and economic coercion, "soft power" is aimed at creating a positive image of the country, thus provoking in other countries the desire to cooperate with this country, to become its partner. The instruments of "soft power" are actively used by key players in the international arena, including China. Secondly, "soft power" since 2004 is part of China's national foreign policy strategy. China's economic success over the past decades has become a cause of concern for key countries participating in international relations, which believe that China is claiming world domination. That is why the Chinese government pays special attention to spreading China's culture in the world with the aim of improving the country's image in the eyes of the international community. Thirdly, in the light of the strategic partnership between China and Russia and the process of "turning to the East", which is one of the key directions of Russia's foreign policy, it is necessary to study the instruments of China's "soft power". The main goal of China's "soft power" in Russian-Chinese relations is to create an attractive image in the eyes of Russian authorities and citizens and to convince them of the need to cooperate with the Chinese government. Within the framework of this study, a hypothesis has been put forward that, as an instrument of "soft power", the spread of the Chinese language in Russia does not meet the goals set by the PRC government.