Russian Tourists Toast New Year Beside Chinese Nuclear Submarine Base

Russians are now flocking to the beaches of Sanya, a tropical city in southern China. For many, it is a warm refuge from Western sanctions and the tensions of the war in Ukraine. The coastal resort has become a major holiday destination. Visitors say they feel welcome there, avoiding the judgment—or "sideways looks"—they sometimes face in the West. This season, the contrast was especially sharp. Russian tourists celebrated the New Year with champagne on the sand. Just across the bay, visible from some beaches, is a major base for China's nuclear submarines. The situation highlights deepening ties between Moscow and Beijing. After Western sanctions cut off many travel options, China has emerged as a key alternative. Direct flights between Russia and Sanya have increased. While enjoying the beaches, tourists are aware of the strategic military presence. For them, it symbolizes a powerful ally in a time of isolation.