Stewards of tomorrow

Fu Zhaoxia, a Russian-language instructor who has taught at Harbin No 6 High School for 34 years, said the expertise of Russian academics has helped her transform her classes, which were once top heavy with rigid rote learning, into spaces of vibrant, real-life communication.

The alliance has implemented more than 30 cultural initiatives, including youth art festivals, paper-cutting contests and a cross-border postcard exchange, engaging more than 4,000 students. A program called Air Classroom delivers Mandarin instruction to more than 500 students in 15 Russian regions.

"By taking part in these activities our young people break down the initial barriers of language and culture," Wu said. "It teaches them to respect differences and embrace a global vision. This is where genuine friendship takes root. Education is the bond, but friendship is the core."

Wu cites the example of a camp in Harbin last month that hosted students from Lensk No 3 School in the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic of Russia. The shared activities with Chinese students focused on education, technology and sports.

In addition to 3D printing and curling matches, the students were given the task of crafting xiangnang, decorative sachets traditionally filled with scented herbs.

The Chinese students, familiar with making the colorful sachets, patiently worked with their Russian counterparts, explaining the cultural symbolism in embroidered dragons and phoenixes that were being used, as well as the traditional herbal fillings.

The awkwardness the Russians first displayed gradually dissolved, and they began weaving symbols of Harbin, such as snowflakes and ice, into their own designs. When the students finally exchanged their handmade crafts, the gesture carried a weight beyond the herbs inside.

"The sachets were no longer just ordinary pouches, but became a bond," Wu said. "You could feel this cross-border goodwill quietly flowing through hearts."

Khripunov, director of the Confucius Institute at Novosibirsk State Technical University, said he sees this generation as the future stewards of China-Russia ties.

"We are planting the seeds, and these students will inherit the responsibility of sustaining our scientific, educational and cultural exchanges. They are the ones who will forge a deeper, more genuine trust between our peoples."

Zhang Xiaomin, Zhou Huiying and Pang Yingyuan contributed to this story.