Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has highlighted a significant expansion in mutual tourism between Russia and China, describing the growth rate as double-digit.
In an article published in the Kommersant newspaper, Lavrov attributed the surge primarily to the existing visa-free travel arrangement between the two nations, which has lowered barriers for citizens on both sides.
The diplomatic emphasis on people-to-people contacts comes as Moscow and Beijing continue to broaden their strategic partnership beyond traditional trade and energy sectors.
The tourism boom serves as a tangible indicator of the deepening integration between the world's two largest economies, reinforcing political alignment with economic and social connectivity.
This development unfolds against a backdrop of intensified military cooperation.
Russia and China recently commenced the maritime phase of their Joint Sea-2026 naval exercises in the Yellow Sea, focusing on waters and airspace near Qingdao.