Yu. V. CHUDODEEV Candidate of Historical Sciences October 1, 2009 marked three round dates in the history of Russian-Chinese relations: the 60th anniversary of the proclamation of the People's Republic of China, the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the PRC and the USSR, and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia Friendship Society (ROC). In this regard, in late September - early October 2009, at the invitation of the Chinese People's Society for Friendship with Foreign Countries (KNODZ) and the ROC, a delegation of the Russian-Chinese Friendship Society (ORCD) visited China. The delegation of the Russian public was headed by the chairman of the ORKD, Academician M. L. Titarenko, Honorary chairman of the society, Academician S. L. Tikhvinsky, member of the Federation Council, former Ambassador of the Russian Federation to China I. A. Rogachev, Deputy Chairman of the ORKD, G. V. Kulikova, Moscow activists of the society, representatives of its regional organizations from St. Petersburg, Vladivostok and Yakutia. Our delegation visited Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Suzhou, Shenzhen, Changsha, Shaoshan and several other regions in two groups. TIANANMEN SQUARE CELEBRATIONS Beijing welcomed us with grand decorations, an abundance of national flags adorning almost every house, banners and slogans celebrating China's 60-year socialist progress and the leadership of the CCP. Striking cleanliness and order also caught the eye. A large number of cleaners both on the streets and in the premises literally "hunt" for every speck. For spitting on the street or throwing out a cigarette butt, a fairly significant fine is imposed. However, the Chinese smoke less-it's expensive! People on the street became more relaxed than before, more diverse clothes. It is felt that the culture of behavior and everyday life is changing. Not a single beggar can be seen, who often met a couple of years ago. Exceptional security measures were take ... Read more