Overview

• At the Valdai session in Sochi, Vladimir Putin pledged a reciprocal response to Beijing’s visa waiver for Russians.
• He described China’s move as a pleasant surprise and credited the initiative to Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
• Putin said he discussed the measure with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who indicated the decision is taken and awaiting routine procedures.
• He predicted strongly positive effects for tourism, business travel and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
• China’s trial visa-free policy began on September 15 and allows Russians stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits and exchanges.