A. Socio-cultural relations of Ukraine and China: history, current situation and prospects

Abstract

Socio-cultural ties between Ukraine and China began long before Ukraine's independence and long before the establishment of diplomatic relations between the PRC and Ukraine in 1992.The first Ukrainians came to the territory of the Qing Empireas part of the Russian Spiritual Mission back in the 18th century. Then, during the struggle against the Japanese invaders, Ukrainians demonstrated courage and bravery in battle and became national heroes of China. In the heyday of Chinese-Soviet relations, a large number of students and trainees were admitted to Ukrainian universities and enterprises, which gave an impetus both to the development of Chinese industry and agriculture and to the formation of science and education in the PRC. The current state of Ukrainian-Chinese relations is characterized by a sufficient degree of stability and development in the sphere of education, science and tourism. However, there remain a number of problems and contradictions that do not allow to say that social and cultural relations between the two countries are effective. Among the major problems are the following: the passivity of existing structures and organizations, the low level of support for the grassroots initiative on the part of authorities, the lack of a balanced and purposeful policy of the Ukrainian government in relation to solving the complex and controversial issues of Ukrainian-Chinese relations.