Bianca, you know that I am your big fan and supporter. I would say -- unconditional supporter. Because, as long as I know you, you never failed to provide rational and balanced views on any topic and event. At least, from my perspective. Therefore everything you say -- I take of faith. :-) And, of course (not surprisingly), here, you are right again. Assuming, that I understood you correctly. Basically, you agree with me, that even though for Russia the cooperation with China is certainly would be helpful as well, but, considering the current situation -- it is more about China's benefits than Russia's. The biggest problem today, as I see it -- Russia and China have different cultures which cannot be intermixed. At least, in the near future. Therefore, if China moves in (even business-wise) to the Russian territory, we are talking about not about mixing, but replacing one culture by another. Basically, replacing Russian population by Chinese. Which I would not be considered it as a problem per se -- it would be totally OK to have the Chineese national district inside of Russia. The problem, may arise from the proximity of China and in case of any territorial conflicts between two countries. That might be very nasty thing. Again, because, of two "alien" cultures. I think, that American culture and mentality is much closer to the Russian's. Therefore, if the US would be instead of China, I would be voting by my both hands for very very close cooperation. May be even opening the borders between them. But, unfortunately, these two stupid nations (the USA and Russia) still cannot understand that they need each other and they are the brothers who should be reunited in their home again.

Bogdanov, "... Russian business leaders form the delegation, hoping to win a bigger slice of one of the world’s largest markets". Win with what? " Russia has vast resources, other then energy resources. Russia needs direct investments in a whole host of areas, and China is the country looking for places to invest their earnings, so as to avoid further accumulation of dollars. Russia is also looking for ways to diversify out of dollars in energy trade, and the recycling of Chinese export-dollars through direct investments can provide the means for sustaining Russia's problematic dollar-dependent import sector. China is looking for all forms of opportunities, and Russia is not an exception. As the rationale for focusing on exports is shifting, China will refocus on "real" investments, such as production and resources, while increasing domestic consumption. I agree that Russia needs to solve its West-centric development model. I agree fully that immigration is the key, provided that Russia rethinks its development strategy, and combines the resources that are now spent separately on upgrading everything from cities, universities, and industrial capacities --- to medicine and military. There a great push for investment in technologies, but no push for using the technologies in a practical manner to speed up the development of East-West corridors for immigration to make sense. As of now, where would the immigrants go? The development strategy that is left to itself does not work. In China, last year every month one new city for over 100,000 was built. Those are planned and focused developments that go hand in hand with the economic policy and the investments both by state sector and private -- both domestic and foreign investment. But most often, investors are brought to facilities already built, of various sizes, to suit various production needs. Together with infrastructure, transportation, and landscaping!