China announced on Tuesday that it will allow visa-free travel for Russian citizens holding ordinary passports, starting September 15. The policy, set to run on a trial basis for one year, will permit Russian visitors to stay in China for up to 30 days per entry.

The move follows high-level talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, held in Beijing a day after the 2025 Tianjin SCO Summit.

The two leaders met ahead of a major military parade, where President Putin praised the strength of their bilateral relationship. "Our close communication reflects the strategic nature of Russian-Chinese ties, which are currently at an unprecedented level," Putin said during the meeting, according to a pooled live feed.

Referencing their cooperation during past conflicts, Putin added, "We were always together then, and we remain together now."

The visa-free travel policy is expected to boost tourism and deepen diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.