On 17–18 September 2026, at the invitation of the People’s Government of Hainan Province, Consul General of Ukraine in Guangzhou Serhii Kapuzo visited Haikou, the provincial capital, and met with the leadership of three key provincial authorities: the Foreign Affairs Office, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports.
During a meeting with Mr Wang Yunfei, Deputy Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Office of Hainan Province, which was held in a friendly atmosphere, the parties had a frank and constructive discussion on the current state and prospects of relations between Hainan Province and Ukraine. The parties congratulated each other on the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the People’s Republic of China and the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic partnership.
Particular attention was paid to the consular protection of the rights and interests of Ukrainian citizens temporarily staying in Hainan Province. Consul of the Consulate General of Ukraine in Guangzhou Serhiy Chepurnyy discussed all relevant matters in detail with Ms Qiu Wen, Deputy Director of the Division for Cooperation with Consular Missions. Chinese officials reaffirmed their readiness to continue providing comprehensive assistance to both Ukrainian diplomats and Ukrainian citizens.
During a meeting with Mr Zhang, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Commerce, the Chinese official provided detailed information on various areas of bilateral cooperation. In particular, the Chinese side presented up-to-date analytical information on Hainan Province’s trade, economic and investment cooperation with Ukraine.
Representatives of the relevant divisions also briefed the Ukrainian diplomats on the mechanisms and operational features of the Duty Free Zone and the Hainan Free Trade Port, which became fully operational in early 2026. These mechanisms provide favourable conditions for the duty-free importation of goods into Hainan Island, as well as their subsequent duty-free supply to mainland China, provided that at least 30% of their production is localised within Hainan Province. Preferential conditions are also available for foreign investment in Hainan. These opportunities may be beneficial and attractive to the Ukrainian business community. Currently, 35 Ukrainian companies are registered in Hainan Province.
During a meeting with Mr Chen Shi, Director of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports, the Chinese official provided detailed information on the development of tourism and traditional Chinese medicine, both of which are highly popular among Ukrainians and other foreign nationals. Hainan Province offers visa-free entry for tourism to citizens of 61 countries, including Ukraine.
The Chinese side informed the Ukrainian diplomats that the number of Ukrainian tourists had increased by 85% compared with the corresponding period of the previous year. Since the beginning of 2026, Hainan Island has welcomed 6,670 Ukrainian citizens. In addition, a significant number of Ukrainian citizens work in the tourism, healthcare, cultural and educational sectors of Hainan Province.
Following the meetings, the parties agreed to maintain regular working contact between the Consulate General of Ukraine in Guangzhou and the People’s Government of Hainan Province on a broad range of issues.