Putin-Xi Jinping Meeting Triggers Increase in Chinese Visa Applications from Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attended a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia (21/3/2023). (Photo: Doc. Antara)

BEIJING - The meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping sparked a high rate of requests for Chinese visas by Russian citizens.

Chinese Foreign Ministry (MFA) spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Chinese Embassy and Consulate General staff in Russia were working overtime to deal with the high demand for Chinese visas.

"Since last week we have optimized visa services and policies to facilitate foreign nationals who wish to visit China," he said.

He explained that China and Russia are welcoming a new era of strategic and comprehensive partnership with large numbers of citizens of the two countries taking two-way trips.

"The Chinese Embassies and Consulates in Russia have doubled their work to provide visa services by increasing working hours and providing more places for reservations and other facilities," he said.

The process of issuing visas at the Chinese embassy and consulates in Russia, he continued, had also been accelerated.

In addition, the two heads of neighbouring countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in the trade of energy, resources and electromechanical products.

Russia-China also agreed to increase industrial and supply chain resilience by expanding cooperation in several fields, including information technology, digital economy, agriculture and services.

Regarding the Ukraine crisis, Xi said China has always adhered to the goals and principles contained in the UN Charter, is impartial, and actively promotes peace talks.

China stands firm for the sake of achieving peace, Xi said as released by the MFA on Wednesday morning.