Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia will implement a visa-free entry system for Chinese citizens, in a reciprocal gesture following Beijing’s easing of travel rules for Russians.

Putin said, according to the official Russian news agency TASS: “Of course, Russia will respond to this friendly gesture, we will do the same.”

TASS reported, citing the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that starting from September 15, Russians will be able to enter China for stays of up to 30 days using only their passports, with the new system effective as a one-year trial.

Current rules allow Russians with diplomatic or official documents to travel to China, and there is a bilateral agreement for group visa-free trips.