Over three-fourths of Russians see China as a friendly country, according to a survey released by Russia’s Public Opinion Foundation on Wednesday, just a day before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia.

The survey said that 77 percent of Russians surveyed consider China friendly, up from 48 percent in 2006. Those who consider China a threat has dropped from 30 percent in 2006 to 9 percent this year. Besides, 44 percent of Russian people agree that China’s fast development won’t pose a threat to Russia.

The foundation surveyed 1,500 people from 43 districts in Russia from April 25 to 26. Half of those surveyed agree that Russia-China relations are better than before. Only 1 percent disagree. On the countries’ development, 70 percent said China is more successful than Russia. Thirty-two percent of the participants said strengthening economic and political ties with China is more important than with Western countries. Nineteen percent disagree, while 35 percent think Russia should cooperate with both China and Western countries.

Exchanges between the people of both countries help bilateral ties, with travel, educational exchanges and commerce increasing in recent years. A series of events, such as “country year,” “year of languages” and “tourism year” have been successfully held. The “Sino-Russian Youth Friendship Exchange Year” kicked off last year with a host of activities for better relations and closer ties between the two countries.