July 29th, Foreign Minister spokesperson Mao Ning presided over a regular press conference.
Russian Press reporter asked that Ruginko, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, previously stated that Russia and China are discussing the establishment of a permanent visa-free regime for citizens of both countries. What is China's comment on this?
Mao Ning said: “Since the visa arrangement between China and Russia was achieved, it has played a positive role in facilitating people-to-people exchanges and promoting cultural interaction. We are willing to maintain communication with the Russian side.”
Lu Jianke previously told Arctic.ru news website that the implementation of the visa-free regime between Russia and China has greatly promoted bilateral tourism exchanges. By the end of 2025, the number of tourist visits between the two countries had increased by 17%, exceeding 3 million person-times. In the first quarter of this year, tourist visits increased by 50% compared to the same period last year.
"We plan to increase the number of Chinese tourists to 5.5 million by 2030, with the Far East region expected to account for 1.8 million of these tourists. Currently, Chinese tourists make up three-quarters of the total number of foreign tourists in the Far Eastern Federal District. To fully exploit the potential of leisure tourism in the Far East region, we are taking comprehensive measures to improve logistics and vacation infrastructure," said Lu Jianke.
"The tourism exchange between the Far East Federal District and China has huge development potential." Lu Jianke pointed out that one of the key factors driving this positive development is the traditional friendship between the two nations, as well as the deep interest of Russian residents in Far East and Chinese citizens in neighboring country culture, history, and natural landscapes. "We also have accumulated strong personal and family ties. A solid bilateral cooperation social foundation provides broad prospects for advancing cooperation across all areas, including tourism."
Lu Jianke mentioned that facilitating mutual visits between citizens of both countries is one of the priorities of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 'We are discussing with the People's Republic of China the possibility of establishing permanent visa-free travel arrangements for citizens.'
