Seasonal hovercraft service relaunched for China-Russia border transport

Hovercraft services between Heihe City in northeast China and Blagoveshchensk in Russia were relaunched on Tuesday to transport passengers between the two countries as ice on the Heilongjiang River melts away.

Hovercraft, also known as air-cushion vehicles, are amphibious crafts capable of traveling over land, water, mud, ice and other surfaces.

At the Heihe port's exit-entry service hall, customs clearance for Chinese and Russian tourists is proceeding normally. On the first day, a total of seven hovercrafts were in service. All necessary precautionary measures have been taken to ensure safe and organized cross-border transportation.

Alyona Konovalova, a tourist from Russia, said she has visited Heihe with her family many times and enjoys shopping there.

"We've been here many times to relax, go for walks, and buy superior, brand-name, high-quality goods. We like it here!" she said.

The seasonal hovercraft operation is expected to last about 30 days. During this period, the restricted areas at the port will expand, transport capacity will be limited, and passenger flows will be more dispersed. The Heihe port inspection authorities have stepped up port monitoring and patrolling to prevent passengers from missing inspections or being stranded to ensure smooth and safe passage for all travelers.

"Considering the operational characteristics of hovercraft during the period when ice drifts on river, we have developed a special work plan. We have strengthened management in restricted areas of port, gangway monitoring, re-checking of documents, and patrolling of restricted areas to ensure the safe and smooth passage of passengers," said Song Kai, a border officer at the Heihe Entry-Exit Border Inspection Station.

"Heihe Customs has deployed units in advance to inspect and maintain key facilities such as supervision sites and examination equipment. It has strengthened information sharing to track vessel movement and passenger flow changes, while also enhancing the efficiency of smart passenger inspection and digital supervisions. Through its smart passenger inspection system, it now enables a seamless customs clearance experience for passengers with no issues to report," said Gao Jingqi, an officer from Heihe Customs.

Seasonal hovercraft service relaunched for China-Russia border transport

The Spanish people have pinned high hopes on Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's upcoming visit to China, hoping that the visit will result in stronger cooperation in trade, renewable energy and global governance as the two countries look to deepen ties amid a complex international landscape.

The visit, scheduled for April 11 to 15, is Sanchez's fourth visit to China in four years. It follows high-level exchanges between the two countries last year, including visits by the Spanish King and the prime minister. It is widely viewed as a key moment to consolidate bilateral relations and strengthen communication between China and Europe.

In Madrid, residents expressed hope for closer ties.

"I think strengthening cooperation in science, technology and trade is the most important thing for both Spain and China," said Manuel, a local resident.

"I hope more Chinese companies will do business in Spain. Many Chinese firms are strong and active in advanced sectors like renewable energy, where I work. This would bring more business opportunities," said another resident Patricia.

China is a key partner for Spain within the European Union. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both nations, bilateral relations have maintained a high level of development, with solid progress in various fields that has tangibly benefited the people of both countries.

Spanish international relations expert Juan Arguello noted that amid current global energy price volatility and rising geopolitical uncertainty, Spain is seeking more diverse and pragmatic foreign cooperation.

"This visit is of great importance, and the timing is critical, especially with international energy prices continuing to rise. Spain imports a large amount of technology products from China, including batteries. Sanchez is also looking to accelerate the energy transition and open up new markets by deepening ties with China," he said.

Spanish public expects PM's China visit to boost bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors