Academic Expansion of Peoples’ Republic of China on the Example of Confucius Institutes Functioning in Russian Federation

The relevance of this study is due to the fact that Russia and China because of their geographical proximity, have a long historical ties, many aspects of which are discussed in detail in the works of Russian and Chinese historians. Especially great attention to the problems of relations between the two countries is given in the last decade, which is associated with dramatic changes in the political situation and the character of building international( including Russian-Chinese) relations, the main objective of which is the pursuit of good neighborliness.The aim of this paper is to examine modern cultural and educational strategies of the People's Republic of China and consider activity of the network of Confucius Institutes as an example. The study analyzes the system of promoting Chinese language and its culture in the world as a form of soft power, active formation of a positive image of China on the global arena. Special attention is paid to the mechanism of functioning of the Confucius Institutes in Russia, consideration of their regulatory framework and identification of a number of the problems that arise from the energetic humanitarian expansion of China on the territory of the Russian Federation. Practical significance of the research results is in the system coverage of the activities of the Institutes and Confucius Classes. Scientific materials and conclusions can be used in special and summarizing research on universal history, the history of international relations and inter-state relations between Russia and China; in lectures and special courses for students, bachelors and masters in the direction of "Orientalism. African Studies", "History", "International Relations"; when writing textbooks on the recent history of Russia and China, the history of Russian-Chinese political, economic and cultural ties. The results of the study can also be used by employees of international and educational departments of universities in Russia and China to develop joint educational programs, as well as to improve the quality of academic mobility of teachers and students.