In modern conditions, competitiveness of nations depends on the degree and quality of their involvement in global value chains. This study represents a comparative empirical analysis of the Russian and Chinese involvement in value chains based on the calculation of key indicators. The findings provide a qualitative assessment of the challenges and prospects for the further development of value chains in the countries.The development of its own chains as well as active substitution of foreign components and technologies allowed China to achieve flexibility and stability in the development of global value chains. Russia, on the other hand, focuses on the creation of regional chains, and its participation in global chains remains in the production of goods with lower added value. Russia needs to adopt the Chinese experience, and both countries should strengthen their participation in global value chains in services and production of innovative products.