Comparative Analysis of Social Protection Systems in Russia and China

Objective of the research is to compare social protection systems in Russia and China, taking into account their historical context, basic socio-economic and demographic characteristics and social problems they currently face. The methodological basis of the research. The research is based on a comparative analysis of statistical data from the Federal State Statistics Service of Russia (Rosstat) and the National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBS), international databases from the International Labour Organization (ILO), research from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) for the years 2000-2022, as well as the World Social Protection Report for the years 2020-2022. Results of the study. The authors conclude that Russia and China share a number of similar social problems. However, the development of their population social protection systems is also influenced by historical factors, as well as both countries' aspirations for leadership on the global stage. The authors also identify specific features of the population social protection systems, which are associated with cultural peculiarities, the number of recipients of social protection measures, the proportion of the population covered by social protection measures, and the level of government financial expenditures on the functioning and development of these systems. Collaboration between the two countries, Russia and China, in the field of social protection, may contribute to the exchange of experience and the development of more effective methods of social protection, including the introduction of innovative forms, such as the application of digital technologies. Research рerspectives. Further research is necessary for a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences in the social protection systems of Russia and China and the determination of strategies for their development.