China permits visa-free travel by Russians

Russians holding a valid passport will no longer have to apply for a visa when entering China from September 15, Russia’s local media reported on Tuesday.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry official said that the new regulation, which applied to stays of up to 30 days, would be in effect for a trial period of one year.
Current rules permit Russians with diplomatic or official documentation to travel to China, and there is a bilateral agreement on visa-free group trips.
The announcement came as Russian President Vladimir Putin was on a four-day state visit to China, meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday.
The two leaders highlighted strong bilateral relations.
China is considered Russia’s main backer in its war against Ukraine.