I'm gonna give
my opinion (both positive and negative - hopefully constructive) on China's neighbours, of whom's people I've met and have some knowledge of, here goes:
1.
India: I have lots of Indian friends, they are intelligent and friendly, and they make excellent curry! We have lots of similarities in terms of culture, values and phase of development. If both countries can put our differences aside (I won't go into that today), there is a huge potential for cooperation and development in Asia - we directly govern and influence 40% of the human race. In terms of the Indian economy, being Chinese, I understand the difficulty of governing such a large and diverse population; but I do agree with some that India has a few things they can learn from China. Though I feel in general the Chinese have a better impression of Indians than Indians do Chinese. (Probably because there is a lot of anti-Chinese media in India, whereas whenever India is mentioned in China, we talk about their culture/good food)
2.
Pakistan: I have lots of Pakistani friends too, they are proud and loyal people with honesty and integrity. They have a good opinion of the Chinese, and therefore whenever I meet one, I always become immediately friendly with them. They were the first country to recognize the PRC during our most difficult time - against all adversity they helped us in our time of need. So now that we have become more wealthy and in a position to help, it is as they say in Game of Thrones: 'A Lannister always pays his debts.' I understand Pakistan has some problems with religious extremism and terrorism, but I do not know enough about it to make an intelligent comment - so I won't.
3.
Vietnam: Very warm and friendly people - I love to go out for meals with them. Love their food, weather and scenery. I don't have that many Vietnamese friends, but lots of Vietnamese girls are really nice to me
so I assume they are all nice. In terms of their economy - they are in a similar position to China in the early 2000s - big supply of labour at relatively cheap prices. They have a good opportunity to become the next (mini) China in terms of establishing a big manufacturing base, but to support that they need to invest heavily to have a skilled labour force as well as excellent infrastructure.
4.
Russia: Proud and earnest people, I like their no BS style. Like us, they are a big country with a long and proud history. Good people to drink with. Lots of great minds and scientists (albeit lots have gone to the West, like India and China). If Putin can stabilize new Russia, they will be the new Energy superpower in the coming century.
5:
Japan: I love their Food! (I'm big on food if you can't tell by now). Proud and intelligent people - makes excellent consumer electronics not even the US or Germany can beat. I have been to Japan a few times, and although their people are friendly and polite - I get a feeling they don't really welcome outsiders - not just Chinese people. This is in stark contrast to visiting India where people are friendly, warm and welcoming. I don't want to get too political, but a lot of their policies tends towards an aim of a 'pure race', and I can feel it in their society even as a tourist. I use to really like Japanese culture - e.g. Manga and Language, but these interests have dropped and my opinion of Japan has changed after visiting it.
6:
South Korea: Again, very friendly people! Like us Asians they are intelligent and have good work ethics. It punches way above its weight for its size in terms of its economy and cultural influence. Not sure about the girls though - recent studies suggests almost 50% of women from age 16-40 has had plastic surgery - I'm not into that kind of thing. What you guys see on TV is packaged 10 times over, they're not as good in real life trust me.
sorry if I offended any Korean girls
7:
North Korea: I wish the US would agree to leave the Korean peninsula after reunification, so that China, the US and SK would see to the collapse of the Kim regime and we will have peace and prosperity in East Asia - I know, easier said than done.
Too late today. I'll leave it at that - let me know what you guys think.