MOSCOW, April 17 -- Knowledge of the Chinese language opens gates for new career and life opportunities for Russians, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Friday.

Speaking to students of Gubkin Oil and Gas University in Moscow, Medvedev compared Chinese with English, noting that English is easier to learn but Chinese gives a different life prospect.

"Since the (Gubkin) university has got extensive contact with Chinese partners, there is a sense (in learning Chinese)," he said.

Those who learn Chinese will enjoy a "new life ahead" as the command of the language brings about "completely new life prospect," Medvedev said.

Medvedev also said that Russian authorities would not restrict the learning of English because of the anti-Russian sanctions from the West.

"People will continue to communicate regardless of the sanctions."

The West has introduced several rounds of personal and sectoral sanctions against Russia in retaliation for its takeover of Crimea and alleged involvement in the Ukraine crisis.