According to TASS, on September 5 local time, Russian President Putin, who had just concluded his visit to China, said that the Chinese decision to exempt Russian citizens from visa requirements was unexpected and made him happy.

Putin stated during the plenary session of the 10th Eastern Economic Forum on the same day, "The Chinese decision to allow Russian citizens to enter China without a visa is an unexpected move for us. We were completely unaware of this beforehand, but precisely because of this, the news is even more pleasant. This is undoubtedly a symbol of friendship, which we highly value. Of course, this will help significantly increase mutual exchanges between the two countries, create more favorable conditions for business activities, and further promote the closeness between the two countries."

Putin also said that as a response to this friendly measure by China, Russia would also implement a visa-free policy for China. "Of course, we will also respond in the same way to this friendly gesture," Putin said.

Image source: TASS

On September 2, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun announced that in order to further facilitate personnel exchanges between China and foreign countries, China has decided to expand the scope of visa-exempt countries. From September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, Russian citizens holding ordinary passports will be allowed to enter China under a trial visa exemption policy.

"In order to further facilitate personnel exchanges between China and foreign countries, China has decided to expand the scope of visa-exempt countries. From September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, Russian citizens holding ordinary passports can enter China without a visa for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchanges, or transit for no more than 30 days," Guo Jiakun said.

He said that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, Sino-Russian relations remain at a high level. The Chinese side highly values the facilitation of personnel exchanges between the two countries, supports the strengthening of exchanges between the people of the two countries, and makes positive contributions to promoting the new era comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between China and Russia. "We welcome our Russian friends to come to China often."

In recent years, the number of Russian tourists visiting China has shown explosive growth. According to Chinese statistics, in 2024, the number of Russian inbound tourists received in mainland China reached 1.5035 million, an increase of 115.1% compared to the previous year.

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