Russia denies ceding more territory to China

Source: RIA Novosti

Border control officials in Russia's Federal Security Agency (FSB) have denied reports that Russia recently ceded to China 4.7 square kilometers (about 1,160 acres) of land near the city of Ussuriysk, in Primorsky Krai.

Russian customs officials told the news agency RIA Novosti that they are unaware of any changes in the international border between China and the Russian Federation.

“It never happened. It's just nonsense. The border hasn't moved an inch,” said a representative of the FSB's border control in Primorsky Krai.

RIA Novosti

Earlier today, several Chinese news outlets reported that Russia had ceded territory to China near Primorsky Krai. The English-language daily newspaper China Daily claimed that five new boundary markers have been unveiled at the border.

In 2005, Russia handed over to China roughly 337 square kilometers (more than 83,000 acres) of territory: the Tarabarov Islands and part of the Grand Ussuriysk Island. The agreement was signed during an official visit by President Putin to China.