Culturally and historically you are correct. This mentality may represent the biggest different between the Christian West and the East. Christianity and the Englihtenment has taught us respect for the individual and the value of human life (excluding abortionists). The Chinese are at the opposite end of the spectrum with a fully utilitarian, society first point of view.
The Russians, being geographically between East and West have been drifting more towards the West since the collapse of the SU. As later stages of capitalism begin to kick in and the people grow more wealthy, I expect that trend to continue. It is all about the econmics of prosperityin comparison to the economics of scarcity. Whether this works in the case of Asians I am not sure. How would you rate the Japanese?
Well then, let 'em send a couple of million to help out.