http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/18/world/europe/18russia.html?pagewanted=1&_r=3

China succeeded simply because it followed the well established Asian manufacturing route to success. Like Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea that went before it, China became the cheap labor for the production of American goodies. Unless the Russians take the same step, they can look at Chinese communism all they want; it isn't the communism, but rather the market economics that catered to American consumerism that gave the entire far east its riches and progress over the last half century. However, even that may not work anymore as American finances are in a shambles. US consumers won't buy that much more, from China or anyone else. However, China has a distinct leg up. They have plenty of people that can replace the US consumer. All it takes is for Chinese industry to modify their customer base to a home grown model, and Chinese prosperity will continue at least into the next century.

Be rich like China? Sure, open factories that sell to Walmarts. Maybe then we'll see on the bottom of our shoes "made in Russia."