PAVEL KOLMOGOROV, 27, ADVERTISING AGENCY MANAGER

I think that it's better to rephrase the question. Essentially, China regards Russia as its most important ally – first of all for the reason that our two countries are neighbors. China is developing very well, and nowadays many Chinese emigres hold leading positions in businesses throughout the world, including countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and France. Politics everywhere is based on business, so Russia needs China, not as an ally, but as a business partner.

SVETLANA KOROLYEVA, 25, EDITOR

Yes, I think China is our most important ally – and for two reasons. First, it is a very big country; second, it is a fairly rich country, especially in labor resources. I'd like to stress that it's beneficial for Russia to have such an ally. Our two countries have the same communist history, and although Russia has chosen a new ideology, it shouldn't be afraid that partnership with China could bring back the old regime. Russia should consider China as a profitable partner, because it certainly is that.

SERGEI IVANOV, 79, PENSIONER

China has always been Russia's closest and most important ally. And if our present leaders intensify these warm feelings, we could be looking at the same level of brotherhood our two countries enjoyed during their closest period. It's essential for us to have sound political and economic relations with China because China is developing along the same lines as us and our two countries have much in common. But, unfortunately, politicians are trying to break this union.

RUSLAN KISELYOV, 23, JUSTICE MINISTRY INSPECTOR

No, China is Russia's potential enemy, especially in the Far East. China has found better markets for its goods in the United States and other Western countries. Its relations with Russia are illegal in most cases. Russia exports metals and raw materials to China, and in return we get poor-quality products churned out by Chinese light industry. Anything good China makes goes to Europe as a way to encourage investment. I think that if Russia eases its defense, China could decide to launch serious hostilities.

MARINA DOYEVA, 19, STUDENT

I consider Russia to be a part Europe, so I would like to see Moscow develop its strongest alliances with Western countries rather than China. It's more beneficial for our country to reach rapprochement with the West than with the East. Moreover, I don't want China to be Russia's ally because the Communist Party is still the ruling party in China, and Russia said goodbye to that regime more than 10 years ago. So we have to go forward, not backward.

ANTON KOROLYOV, 28, LAWYER

I think that it would be good if China remains Russia's most important ally. Today, China has taken great economic strides, and if Russia and China make some kind of economic union, then perhaps India would join it – which would be very beneficial for all the members. China is developing its market economy at full pace, and as far as I know the Communist Party has no decisive voice in that area. That's why Russia is interested in China as an ally.