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China Extends Visa-Free Travel to Russian Citizens for a Trial Period

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

China's foreign ministry has announced that it will extend visa-free travel to ordinary passport holders from Russia on a trial basis, starting from September 15 and lasting for a year. This decision comes after a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, where they reaffirmed their countries' strong ties. The visa exemption will allow Russian citizens to stay in China for a maximum period of 30 days. During their meeting, Putin stated that the close communication between their countries reflects the strategic nature of their ties, which are currently at an unprecedented level.

Key Takeaways:

  • China has extended visa-free travel to Russian citizens on a trial basis, starting from September 15 and lasting for a year.
  • The visa exemption will allow Russian citizens to stay in China for a maximum period of 30 days.
  • Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their countries' strong ties during their meeting in Beijing.
  • Putin stated that the close communication between their countries reflects the strategic nature of their ties, which are currently at an unprecedented level.
  • China and Russia have criticized Western governments for their "bullying behavior", with Xi Jinping slamming the actions of certain countries and Putin defending Russia's Ukraine offensive.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other world leaders at a gala performance and military parade in Beijing.

Statistics:

  • The visa exemption will be in effect for a year from September 15.
  • The maximum period for entry to China for Russian citizens will be 30 days.
  • The military parade in Beijing will be attended by around two dozen world leaders, including North Korea's Kim Jong-un.
  • The SCO summit in Tianjin on Monday was attended by world leaders from various countries.

Sources:

  • Chinese Foreign Ministry statement, undated
  • Hindustan Times article, "China to invite 30 countries for parade marking 80 years of end of WWII; North Korea's Kim Jong-un to attend", September 2, 2023
  • Beijing Review article, "Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin hold talks on sidelines of SCO summit", September 2023 (exact date not provided)

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