Putin proposes permanent Russia-China visa-free program in talks with Xi

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed the possibility of making a visa-free travel program between Russia and China permanent during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kyrgyzstan on Monday, according to Tass news agency. The countries currently allow each other's citizens to stay for up to 30 days without a visa, with the arrangement set to expire at the end of 2027.

Putin noted that the visa-free travel had led to a 43% increase in tourist flows between the nations in the first half of 2026. The Russian leader also expressed condolences to families of victims of flash floods and mudslides along the Nepal-China border, wishing for a speedy recovery for all affected. Xi emphasized that the foundation of China-Russia relations would strengthen under their strategic guidance, describing their future as ever brighter.

Amid global uncertainties, Xi reiterated the pursuit of peace, development, cooperation, and win-win outcomes as unchanged principles. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, established in 2001 by China, Russia, and four Central Asian nations, remains responsible for regional stability, with Beijing ready to collaborate with Moscow and other members, including Belarus, India, Iran, and Pakistan, to further develop the group, now expanded to 10 nations.

The two leaders briefly discussed the Ukraine crisis, but it was not the primary focus of their meeting, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noting this.