Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian hosted a regular press conference on December 2. A reporter from a Russian media outlet asked: "On December 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a presidential decree implementing a visa-free policy for Chinese citizens. Starting yesterday, Chinese friends can travel to Russia visa-free for tourism, business visits, scientific and cultural exchanges, and sporting events, among others. What is China's comment on this?"

"What you mentioned is good news," Lin said. "The mutual visa exemption between China and Russia is another example that the two governments and peoples are moving toward each other."

"I believe this will further enhance the friendship between the two peoples and promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields. We sincerely welcome more Russian friends to take advantage of the visa-free policy for a spontaneous trip to China, and we also look forward to Chinese citizens making good use of the visa-free policy to start a wonderful trip to Russia," Lin said.