Core Viewpoint - The importance of studying the Soviet Union and Russia for China is emphasized, highlighting the need for more academic research in this area despite the current positive state of Sino-Russian relations [2][10][14]. Group 1: Academic Research on the Soviet Union - There is a noticeable lack of research output on Russia in China, despite the overall growth in international studies [2][10]. - The "Soviet, Soviet" series has published three works that reflect different aspects of the Soviet Union, providing valuable samples for research [2][4]. - The series includes titles that explore topics such as foreign guest shops, the Volga River hydropower stations, and the underlying factors of Soviet growth rates [4][14]. Group 2: Personal Experience and Observations - The speaker has extensive experience in Soviet and Russian studies, having worked in this field for nearly four decades [5][6]. - Observations from the late 1980s reveal a stark contrast between the abundance of goods in post-Soviet Russia and the shortages experienced during the Soviet era [9][10]. - The speaker recounts experiences of visiting the Soviet Union, noting the long queues for basic goods, which reflects the economic conditions of the time [8][9]. Group 3: Historical Context and Lessons - The disintegration of the Soviet Union has led to various interpretations of its history, particularly among Eastern European countries that were once part of the Soviet sphere [10][12]. - The speaker argues that understanding the lessons from the Soviet Union is crucial for China's development, suggesting that these lessons can aid in building socialism with Chinese characteristics [15][16]. - The historical narrative surrounding the Soviet Union continues to evolve, with differing perspectives emerging in Russia and the West [10][12].

Group 1 - The core fear of Europe is not just Russia, but the historical legacy of the Soviet Union, which is perceived as a much greater threat [1][3] - The statement made by Anton Kobyakov, an advisor to President Putin, claims that the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 was procedurally flawed, suggesting that legally, the Soviet Union still exists [5][7] - Kobyakov's remarks imply that if the Soviet Union's dissolution is deemed invalid, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict could be redefined as a civil war rather than an act of aggression, providing Russia with a legal basis to counter Western narratives [10] Group 2 - Kobyakov's comments are seen as officially sanctioned by Putin, indicating a strategic communication rather than a personal opinion [8] - The fear of the Soviet Union's resurgence is deeply rooted in European consciousness, with historical references to the Soviet military capabilities that could have overwhelmed Europe in a short time [3][5] - The discussion around the legal status of the Soviet Union reflects broader geopolitical tensions and the ongoing struggle for narrative control between Russia and the West [10]