Alright, we’re talking about the future here. In 10 years, what language will be more important?
Currently Mandarin is only important in China or around China. No one outside that area speaks Mandarin. Of course there are a few people here and there but nothing significant.
Now, Russian is spoken in Russia AND in a few former USSR countries like Ukraine, Latvia and other eastern European countries.
But what about in 10 years? Will Mandarin become more widespread?