China “welcomes more Russian visitors” under visa-free regime

China’s authorities have said they “welcome more Russian friends” to take advantage of visa-free travel, as Beijing continues to promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Speaking to reporters, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China places “great importance” on exchanges between citizens of China and Russia, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

Responding to a request to confirm whether Beijing is prepared to extend its visa-free regime for Russian nationals, Mao said the Chinese side “welcomes a greater number of Russian friends” wishing to use the arrangement to visit China and “experience its beauty”.

China introduced visa-free access for Russian travellers on September 15, 2025, in a move aimed at strengthening tourism flows and bilateral ties between the two countries.

By Aghakazim Guliyev