Why was Russia allowed into the G8 ?

Question

Its ppp gdp per capita is almost the same as China's and its total nominal gdp is a lot smaller than China's. In terms of total trade I think Russia ranks behind Mexico and is in the 12-14 place range, I think China is top 5.

so why did Russia get in before China ?

Answer 1

Because Russia is a European nation, just as the other members.  Honeslty, the west does really take the asian/african nations seriously.  

And China's human rights record (or lack thereof) may also have something to do with it.

Answer 2

Russia had attained the tag of superpower at the times of formation of G8.Basically its the group who countries who can influence the things which are happening in the world. So definitely they are one among them especially after it has come to know that they have a lot of oil reserves in Siberia.