Russia its better.
But China its more simple to play, require less grinding and has better reverse gear (faster).
Also China has european and us vehicles if you feel tired of the same ussr vehicles.
For you new player I say China.
Many argue Russia is a bit better but I do want to do China because of what China gets
I was also just then in a battle and I did really well playing china then I would normally do I think when I play Russia I am good with both CHina and Russia and USA
In air arcade all nations are more or less equal imo, I love British and Italian props the most for AAB.
Ground arcade idk, I rarely visit it.
Play what you like even from just visual look, don’t try to find a simple/easy nation to play.
PS try different modes also, including naval stuff, coatal fleet in naval RB is actually quite fun, despite low popularity.
China is a perfect starter nation because it introduces you to the best of both the American and Soviet tree. It isn’t all that unique, but for a first tree that doesn’t really matter.
I would highly encourage grinding China or one of the big three first (US, Russia, German). Though I still personally believe in it’s current state China is the best nation for starters, and also it’s too tier is constantly improving as it has a very “strong worded” mainland China community
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On the Germany/Russia issue it depends Russia doesn’t have have any major play style changes like Germany dose, but you have constantly plan where you go around your consistent lack of gun depression, bad reverse speed and below average reload. You constantly need to plan every move you make around the terrain and where the enemy is and rely completely on your average to very good armour to cover mistakes, but good players can still pop you through your massive weak spots, especially at higher BRs. Russian CAS is (with some exceptions) pretty average to just bad until top tier with the Kh-38MTs and LMUR that are just plain OP.
Germany is a lot more forgiving for mistakes and has better ability to play to the terrain due to their gun depression, along with better ballistics and faster reloads and with the Panthers, Tigers/ Tiger 2s and Leopard 2s near as good armour. But they lack mid rank CAS and you need to adapt to a massive change in playstyle from 7.7 to 10.7 where your MBTs are basically light tanks with high fire power but little (albeit trolly) armour.
Edit: @SoyBeanInhaler makes a good point, China gives you a good look at both USSR and NATO play styles, so its a good way to see what works with your play style. And that’s the main thing, everything we say is our opinions based on our playstyles, you need to find what works for you.