THE ROLE OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH IN RELATIONS BETWEEN RUSSIA AND CHINA

In the context of the deterioration of relations between Russia and most European countries caused by the special military operation, our country is intensifying relations with a number of Eastern countries. The People’s Republic of China (hereinafter PRC) is becoming one of the main partners. This situation gives rise to a special interest in the existing experience of contacts through various institutions. The article analyzes the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church (hereinafter referred to as the ROC) in China in terms of its possible impact on both relations with Russia and the country’s identity, and concludes that the ROC plays a positive role in relations between the two countries. It is also taken into account that the Orthodox Church in China is an institution that influences the formation of a type of identity that is not typical for this country, which also allows us to talk about some principles of interaction in similar situations. The authors also point out some problems that hinder the development of Orthodoxy in China.