A joint communiqué sets out further cooperation on customs, border transport and digital trade. Changes to individual crossing procedures and operating hours will require separate implementation decisions.
On 21 October, the Russian and Chinese heads of government signed a joint communiqué following their 31st regular meeting in St Petersburg. It outlines further cooperation on customs, transport infrastructure and trade digitalisation.
The parties agreed to develop automated exchanges of goods and valuation data, cooperation on mutual recognition of authorised economic operator status, and flexible adjustments to border crossing hours according to operational conditions.
Rail priorities include improving train handover procedures and exchanging crossing development plans. The communiqué specifically addresses alignment of freight lanes at the Zabaikalsk–Manzhouli road crossing. Driverless cross-border transport and digital management of border infrastructure are also identified as areas for cooperation.
The document supports electronic contracts and secure document exchanges. These commitments provide guidance for businesses planning routes and digital workflows. Specific changes to crossing hours, clearance procedures and transport conditions will depend on subsequent decisions and announcements by the responsible authorities.