China plans airport in border city near Russia

HARBIN - China plans to build a civilian airport in the northeastern border city of Suifenhe, Heilongjiang province, the country's largest contributor to trade with Russia.

According to the feasibility plan, which was approved by the central government, the project includes a 2,500 meter long runway and a 4,500 square meter terminal. The domestic regional airport is designed to handle 450,000 passengers and 3,600 tonnes of cargo by 2025, said the Suifenhe municipal government.

It will cost about 944 million yuan (153 million US dollars).

Expansion of the Shuifenhe land port is also under way, which will significantly increase its passenger and cargo handling capacities.

Suifeihe is in Heilongjiang's southeast and neighbors Russia. About 80 percent of Heilongjiang cargo imports and exports are through Suifenhe.

In 2013, the Chinese government authorized Shuifenhe as the country's first city where the Russian ruble can be used alongside the Renminbi on a trial base.