The National Centre RUSSIA on Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island will become the country's calling card
On 3 September, the session "Bolshoy Ussuriysky: An Island of Friendship, Peace and Prosperity" was held in Vladivostok, focusing on the prospects for the comprehensive development of this unique transboundary territory. The project is being implemented following agreements between Russia and China and in line with the course set by the leaders of the two countries — the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping. Participants discussed the development of the territory, the creation of infrastructure, mechanisms for attracting investment, and opportunities for humanitarian, cultural and tourism cooperation. One of the key facilities on the Russian part of the island will be a branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Khabarovsk Territory. The Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Natalia Virtuozova, spoke about the project.
"The National Centre RUSSIA is a space unlike anything else in the world. On the instructions of our President Vladimir Putin, we are creating branches in the regions. One of them is the project in the Khabarovsk Territory. This will be our only venue built on an island. It will become a point of attraction for residents and visitors to the Far East, as well as for our international friends, primarily from China. Today, a model showing the development of the Russian part of Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island will be presented at the first branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in Vladivostok. Visitors will be able to see not only the concept for the building itself, but also the overall development plan for the territory. The project was refined together with the team of Governor Dmitry Demeshin, taking into account the natural and cultural features of the Khabarovsk Territory. The red-crowned crane will become the symbol of the space," said Natalia Virtuozova.
She emphasised that Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island is already a popular leisure destination for Khabarovsk residents. Going forward, the new branch of the National Centre RUSSIA will be designed to meet the needs of residents of the Khabarovsk Territory and the entire Far East. The space will also appeal to visitors from China, helping to develop humanitarian ties and introduce international audiences to Russia, its regions, culture and achievements. In addition, the National Centre RUSSIA will create more opportunities for international dialogue and expert discussions with participants from abroad, including the Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. A New Platform for Global Growth", which brings together experts from Russia, China, India, Malaysia and other countries.
Bolshoy Ussuriysky is of particular importance to both countries: its location creates opportunities for new transport, economic, cultural and tourism links. The future branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Khabarovsk Territory could become an "eastern gateway" through which visitors can discover the diversity of our country, its achievements, centuries-old traditions and unique products made by Russian manufacturers.
"For the Khabarovsk Territory, Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island is a real resource for expanding economic potential, exchanging technologies and creating new production facilities, as well as an opportunity to develop education, culture and humanitarian cooperation. We expect festivals and other cultural events to be held here. The National Centre RUSSIA will undoubtedly become a vivid symbol of this cooperation, and we plan to make it our country's calling card on this unique transboundary territory. It is a symbol of friendship, peace, pride and the shared development of our peoples," noted the Governor of the Khabarovsk Territory, Dmitry Demeshin.
The discussion also featured Sergei Litvyakov, Director of the Department for State Support and Technological Development of the Far East at the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic; Nikolai Zapryagaev, Director General of the Far East and Arctic Development Corporation; Elina Sidorenko, Director General of the ZaBusiness.RF platform; Zheng Shuyi, Mayor of Fuyuan; Wang Chunting, Head of the External Relations Department of the Committee for the Construction and Management of Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island of the People's Government of Heilongjiang Province; and Nikolai Vavilov, Director of the Institute for the Study of Modern China.
Construction of the National Centre RUSSIA branch on Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island is expected to begin in 2027. Covering more than 9,000 square metres, the new space will form a unique architectural ensemble reflecting the natural and cultural legacy of the Khabarovsk Territory.
Today, branches of the National Centre RUSSIA operate in the Primorye Territory, the Krasnoyarsk Territory and the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra. The first regional branch of the National Centre RUSSIA opened in Vladivostok on 7 September 2025.
The meeting focused on the mission and personal responsibility of journalists in today's world.
On 2 September, the branch was visited by the National Centre RUSSIA team headed by the Director General, Natalia Virtuozova.
Today, the Far East is a region where the interests of Russia and the countries of the Asia-Pacific intersect.
