Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, December 30 /Xinhua/ — What China-related event left the strongest impression on you over the past year? Ahead of the New Year, Xinhua asked Russians in Moscow this question.
"Visa-free travel" was the immediate answer given by most of Xinhua's interlocutors. "The most important event for me was that Russian President Vladimir Putin allowed Chinese citizens to visit Russia visa-free for 30 days. Naturally, this will allow Chinese citizens to further immerse themselves in Russian culture and traditions and get to know Russia even better," replied Alexander, a master's student at Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), who has been studying Chinese for 16 years.
At the famous, historic GUM department store, 19-year-old Rasmiya and Alexandra approached Xinhua reporters and said "nihao" (Chinese "hello"). They majored in English, but this year they enrolled in Chinese language courses at their university. Visa-free travel was also a significant milestone for them. "We love our friends from China and look forward to seeing them. I consider this a major victory for both Russians and Chinese," Rasmiya remarked.
At the Moscow Museum of Modern Art, Alexandra and Kira, fourth-year students in the Faculty of Foreign Languages at Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU), were viewing an exhibition by contemporary Chinese artist Mu Ke. In response to a question from Xinhua, Alexandra said she was particularly struck by the drone show at the 2025 Spring Festival gala concert in late January. "Thousands of drones were launched on New Year's Eve. The celebrations were so large-scale, so incredible," she shared. She also mentioned that she had often seen videos on social media about China's technological development.
Kira recalled watching the military parade broadcast from Tiananmen Square on September 3rd with her faculty and students. "It was amazing; not everyone could have imagined such power! I was truly amazed by the military equipment China has and how well-coordinated everything is," she said.
Sergey Korshunov, Advisor to the Rector's Office of Bauman Moscow State Technical University and Executive Director of the Russian Association of Technical Universities of Russia and China (ATURC), has been actively collaborating with Chinese universities for over 20 years. He was particularly impressed by the discussions between university representatives from the two countries on scientific and educational cooperation in cutting-edge fields, particularly green energy, at the 6th ATURC Forum, which took place in Moscow in May.
At the New Year's children's art exhibition "On the Threshold of Magic," which recently opened in the Russian capital, young artists from China and Russia depicted New Year's fairy tales, the festive atmosphere, and the friendship between the two countries in their works. In an interview with Xinhua, the exhibition's organizer, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation Irina Zakharova, noted that high-level visits between Russia and China have become the most important events in 2025, as they speak "of the stability and orderly development of relations." She emphasized that it was at the level of the two heads of state that the decision was made to establish a mutual visa-free regime, which allows Russians and Chinese to travel more, experience each other's cultures, and better understand each other.
Looking ahead to Russian-Chinese relations in 2025, Xinhua's interlocutors also expressed their hopes for 2026. Vladimir Zakharov, a renowned Russian orientalist and former deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, shared his New Year's wish with Xinhua: to visit China again for the Spring Festival, which falls in mid-February in the coming Year of the Horse. Zakharov served twice as a diplomat in China, and his daughter, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, spent her childhood in Beijing. He noted that the Spring Festival is, above all, a family holiday, filled with joy, cheerfulness, and optimism.
Vasily Tsereteli, President of the Russian Academy of Arts (RAA), recalled the passing of his grandfather, the renowned artist Zurab Tsereteli, this year. "He was a very sunny person, and he visited China many times, loving Chinese culture. This love was genetic," Tsereteli said. He emphasized that following the successful completion of the Years of Culture of Russia and China, both countries will officially launch the Years of Education next year. The RAA plans to further deepen cooperation with its Chinese partners as part of the Years of Education. "There is always hope for future endeavors, accomplishments, and cultural exchange," Tsereteli shared his expectations.
"Next year, according to the Chinese calendar, will be the Year of the Red Fire Horse. Therefore, I believe it will be more dynamic and filled with a wide variety of events, particularly in the field of education," believes RUDN University master's student Alexander. He stated that his greatest wish is for world peace, for relations between Russia and China to be even stronger, and for the two countries to achieve new progress.
Galina Kulikova, First Deputy Chair of the Russian-Chinese Friendship Society, expressed confidence that in the current complex international situation, cooperation and fraternal unity between Russia and China are a vital force for maintaining stability. "I have great hopes for our countries to develop our cooperation and strengthen our friendship in all areas. And I wish the people of China and the people of my country well-being, peace, and prosperity," Kulikova said.
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